Earthquake Aftershock: Mental Toll on Thai Residents Calls for Support

[webfact]

People wait at the damaged construction site of a high-rise building in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, March 29, 2025, as rescuers search for victims following its collapse after Friday's earthquake. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

 

Health experts are urging Thai citizens to be aware of mental health struggles following the recent earthquake's psychological aftershocks.

 

Deputy manager of ThaiHealth, Pairoj Saonoi, emphasised that natural disasters not only inflict physical damage but also escalate public anxiety, impacting daily life. People are encouraged to consult ThaiHealth's resources for managing emotional distress effectively.

 

Dr Pairoj reminds the public that feelings of fear and anxiety are normal responses to trauma, urging a focus on present realities to minimise anxiety.

 

Resuming daily activities is essential for recovery, alongside seeking information from reliable news channels to curb panic. The public is advised to lean on support networks like the online chat at here2healproject.com, offering mental health advice from Chulalongkorn University’s volunteer psychologists.

 

Public Health Ministry's deputy spokesman, Woratham Chotipitayasunon, pointed out that residents of Bangkok might experience increased anxiety due to their unfamiliarity with such natural events.

 

 

 

Exposure to online snippets and first-hand stories often exacerbates stress levels. He advises individuals to be vigilant of emotional and behavioural changes and to seek professional help for persisting symptoms, as these may signal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 

Dr Woratham also discussed the occurrence of post-earthquake dizziness syndrome (PEDS), sometimes referred to as "Earthquake Drunk" syndrome.

 

The disruption in the central nervous system makes people feel as if they are moving even when still. To mitigate these symptoms, individuals should rest, avoid exertion, and limit screen exposure. If dizziness persists beyond a week, a medical evaluation is recommended to tackle any continuous stress-related issues.

 

In summary, authorities stress the importance of acknowledging mental health impacts post-disaster. Resources and professional advice are readily available to ensure the public can navigate these challenges effectively. Proper management and timely intervention can help avert lingering psychological complications.

 

Based on a story by Bangkok Post
 

-- 2025-03-31

 

 

[BangkokReady]

51 minutes ago, webfact said:

To mitigate these symptoms, individuals should rest

 

OK...

 

51 minutes ago, webfact said:

avoid exertion

 

Sure...

 

51 minutes ago, webfact said:

and limit screen exposure.

 

Wait! What?!!

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Dr Pairoj reminds the public that feelings of fear and anxiety are normal responses to trauma,

 

It's all part of life's rich tapestry.

Get over it and move on.

[Gottfrid]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Deputy manager of ThaiHealth, Pairoj Saonoi, emphasised that natural disasters not only inflict physical damage but also escalate public anxiety, impacting daily life. People are encouraged to consult ThaiHealth's resources for managing emotional distress effectively.

Yeah, for some people that are very emotional and stressed, which fit in on a lot of Thais it can be a good thing. However, most people can get over things like this just by talking to family and friends. As time goes, life gets back to normal.

[tomazbodner]

I felt something, that I wasn't sure was real or imagination, but then got messages from Silom that tall buildings there are evacuating due to aftershocks just 5 minutes ago...

 

Same in Asoke, apparently - everyone ordered out of buildings there, around that lake area south of Sukhumvit...

[CallumWK]

I see a report on a Thai FB page that the 9th floor has collapsed in a government building, and people are evacuated.

 

Of course only superficial damage according to our Thaier than Thai member who is already ridiculing reports in this thread.

[Caldera]

Luckily, Thailand isn't a Western country where people can abuse such an event to milk the system for benefits due to imaginary distress.

 

Seriously, how bad could the mental toll be unless you were near that collapsed construction site? I stayed in a swaying high-rise and I think I'll survive without seeing a shrink. 

[Dexxter]

On 3/31/2025 at 12:00 PM, webfact said:

limit screen exposure

 

So my wife has to reduce from 16 hours a day to 12 perhaps?