In this context, Nazli Sinem Koytak, a psychologist at the NGO “Image Initiative” supported by MSF in Adiyaman, explains, “Despite the difficult hygiene situation and the sometimes unfavorable weather, there is still a strong fear of entering buildings. Most people, they don’t feel safe, and their survival instinct is to be outdoors.”
Our teams continue to support local organizations in providing psychosocial support to the residents of the affected areas through the Emiji initiative in Adiyaman and Malatya provinces, and the Maya Foundation in Hatay and Kahramanmaraş. Since 24 March, more than 7,500 people have received support through individual and group counselling.
“People usually seek refuge in their homes, but it has become a source of fear and a deadly place,” Koytak commented.
Mental health professionals encourage people to share their emotions, stories and challenges, so they know that their feelings are normal given what they have been through. The group sessions build a bond between the participants, bringing people together to support each other through difficult moments.
Survivors are very anxious and have trouble concentrating and sleeping. Some have nightmares every night, become forgetful, and have lost their appetite. Aftershocks keep happening every day, and people look back on past experiences and think another catastrophe is on the horizon.
“I don’t sleep well these days, and I can’t study anymore. I feel as if all the information in my mind has evaporated. Everything I knew before has evaporated,” says Aylol, 13, who lives in Kayatepe (Razib) village in Adiyaman.
