Q&A: Anxiety a ‘natural experience’ after first earthquake

Key takeaways:

• It is natural to experience anxiety after an earthquake.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness exercises and stress-management strategies may help those with long-term anxiety.

On April 5, a 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook the Northeast region of the United States, an “infrequent but not unexpected” event for this part of the country, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Large or small and familiar or not, these forces of nature can cause stress and anxiety — especially for those experiencing one for the first time.

Healio spoke with John Luo, MD, professor of psychiatry and human behavior and director of emergency and consultation liaison psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine, about how to prepare and manage anxiety both during and after an earthquake.

Healio: You’re based in California where earthquakes large and small are common; how do California natives or long-term residents deal with this ever-present threat?

Luo: It is natural to have a startled response to the first earthquake experienced, as it is the harbinger of the unknown. Long-term residents where earthquakes are common have learned to “Drop, Cover and Hold” when an earthquake is first felt. Many of us have an emergency supply kit, which includes food, clothing and water for 3 days, in our homes and automobiles to create security in being prepared.

Healio: What do you recommend for those with anxiety or who may become anxious in an area where earthquakes are common?

Luo: If people who suffer from anxiety live in geographic areas prone to earthquakes, they may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques and other stress-management strategies. These skills help them manage their fears and continue to live their lives, despite the uncertainty of when the next quake will come. Asking for help and talking to someone is the first important step.

Healio: How can those who experience anxiety calm themselves during an earthquake?

Luo: Anxiety is a natural experience after the first earthquake, especially a large one. Focusing on breathing in regular, slow and deep breaths will begin to minimize the anxiety. Once you make sure that you are safe from falling debris, reach out to loved ones by phone or head to the designated meeting area to reconvene.

Healio: How about after the earthquake has passed?

Luo: Deep breathing helps once the initial earthquake has immediately passed. Reaching out and talking with supportive family and friends to share the experience and how you feels is important. Getting good rest, trying to relax and sticking to a healthy diet — avoiding alcohol and other drugs are recommendations. It also helps to begin to prepare for the next earthquake with clothing, food and water set aside in an emergency kit.

Healio: What recommendations do you have for individuals experiencing long-term anxiety after an earthquake?

Luo: In my practice, I have not worked with anyone with long-term anxiety secondary to large earthquakes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness exercises can be helpful. However, for some people, the option to move to an area less prone to earthquakes becomes the solution. Unfortunately, it appears that most geographic locations have some type of local natural disaster — whether it be earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes or heatwaves — so developing skills to manage may be the best solution.

References:

• M 4.8 - 2024 Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, earthquake. https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/at00sbh3yv/executive. Published April 5, 2024. Accessed April 5, 2024.
• Preparing for an earthquake. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/prepared.html. Accessed April 5, 2024.

For more information:

John Luo, MD, is professor of psychiatry and human behavior and director of emergency and consultation liaison psychiatry at the University of California, Irvine. He can be reached at linkedin.com/in/johnluomd; X (Twitter): @jsluo; Instagram: @jsluomd.