In the immediate aftermath of the February 6, 2023 earthquakes, graduate students at the Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies began compiling mental health resources to support our colleagues, families and friends on the ground as well as those grappling with this grief and trauma from outside the region. Topics addressed by this guide include:
- How to talk to children about natural disasters
- How to find post-earthquake psychological support
- Self and Community Care
- Secondary Trauma
- Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Practices
- Survivors Guilt
- Sleep challenges
- Collective Trauma
- Warmlines and hotlines to call if in distress or crisis
The resource guide includes materials in Arabic, Kurdish (both Kurmanji and Sorani), Turkish, and English. It is in a GoogleDoc format so it may be continually being updated as more psychological support for earthquake victims is being organized and announced. There are links to reach at least ~100 options for free emergency response mental health care/psychological support for those in the affected areas. There are also many resources for those in diaspora it as well, who are also facing severe and distinct psychological challenges.
To access the guide please click the image above, or click this link.
This is a living document and the students welcome additional input and support in aggregating and translating these resources in order to reach and help more people.
Note: This document has been prepared as a tool of support and solidarity and is not intended to replace clinical support; please seek professional help as you are able. The resource guide includes links to help do so.