Dealing with anxiety during, after an earthquake
April 25, 2024
IN THE NEWS: An earthquake large enough to be felt is an unsettling experience, particularly if it’s a new one.
Healio spoke with UCI Health psychiatrist Dr. John Luo about how to prepare and manage anxiety both during and after an earthquake.
“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 a designated meeting area to reconvene.”
If anxiety after an earthquake persists, Luo suggests cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness exercises.
Luo is professor of psychiatry and human behavior at UCI School of Medicine and a member of both the American Board of Preventive Medicine and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
He is an internationally recognized educator and expert on behavioral health informatics. Luo has presented at numerous conferences, written books and articles on technology use in mental health, and he has been recognized locally and nationally for excellence in teaching.
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