Coping With Christchurch’s Earthquakes

It may sound harsh to say this, but some people cope better with earthquakes than others. The same applies to all disasters. Here are some self-help tips as to how to live your life day by day so that when disaster strikes, you are prepared for the worst as much as that is possible, and if it does strike, you have some guidance about how to take care of yourself.



1. Be happy, don’t worry. People who have cultivated the ability to stay in the moment and not think way ahead keep themselves from getting stressed. This is nothing new - the Buddha taught this. The trick is to not get too attached to outcomes that may or may not occur. The most recent 6.3 earthquake rendered my house powerless and waterless, and the structure was extensively damaged. But I remain optimistic. I have to commute to and from a relative’s place morning and night in order to clean up and see my clients, and although this can be tiring, I just do it. I’m not thinking too far ahead - just dealing with what today presents. When an aftershock occurs, I find myself holding my breath, feeling a little fearful, but I relax when it passes, and don’t give the aftershocks a second thought.

2. Don’t expect, just notice what is happening. I’m told that the water may not be back on for weeks. But rather than expecting or hoping for the water to return, I just deal with what is in front of me. I don’t put energy into hoping for or imagining scenarios that will simply help me focus on what I don’t have. I just deal with what’s going on in the Now. This is especially true of the aftershocks. While some people wear their clothes to bed and clear a path to the door should a shake happen during the night, I back myself to respond as the situation demands. While preparation can be helpful, holding on for dear life is not. Learn to breathe deeply into fears when these arise, and know that this too will pass. And chances are pretty high that if you survived the initial quake, you’re going to be just fine and able to relate your experiences to many others for years to come.

3. Keep talking and get support. I love yarning to my neighbours about how they’re getting on, and where they are up to in regards to the damage to their homes. I can’t do much to help them, but listening and empathizing with their predicament helps both them and me. I’m staying with my sister and brother-in-law who have made my wife, daughter and myself very welcome. However, it is uncomfortable for me to ask for this. I don’t like accepting charity. However, it is essential if I’m to cope, and be supported to go back to my home each day and begin picking up the pieces. When I return to a beautiful meal after re-erecting wall units, bookcases, books, broken china, glass and porcelain and food all over the kitchen floor, this level of support is just so de-stressing.

4. Take time to rest. I take several naps during the day, and meditate before going to bed. I also move slowly as I attend to the beginning of the months of work facing me. I am focusing on the most urgent matters first, and allowing my home to be less than I would prefer it to be. Home wasn’t built in a day, especially after a very destructive earthquake that was strong enough to move my house off its foundations and bring down every upstanding piece of furniture we owned. I know that I am more traumatised than I allow myself to feel, and my lethargy, grumpiness and shortened attention span tell me that if I don’t look after myself more than I would usually do, I may say or do something I will later regret.

5. Treat Yourself. This doesn’t have to be in extravagant ways, but taking time to smell the flowers, pat the cats, or take myself out with my wife for a latte help me feel comforted and nurtured. My wife and I went out to see a movie whilst the place looked like a bomb site. I take time to chat to friends over the phone. Naps and meditation are also a way for me to care for myself. When there is just so much that must be attended to, treating yourself helps restore balance.

6. Motivate yourself to help others. Although resting is important, so too is getting involved in activities that are meaningful and fulfilling. I’ve been involved in counselling members of the Christchurch public who have come to the resource centres asking for help and seeking access to the various government handouts. I’ve enjoyed connecting with these people and listening to their stories, and have hopefully helped them a little to process some very intense feelings. Thousands of people have given wonderful service to others since the big quake a week ago, and frankly, I don’t know how they find the energy to keep it up. However, be assured, that they will receive as a result of their giving. Their mental and emotional health will be the better for the efforts they’ve made on the behalf of others, provided they’ve kept a balance and have looked after their own needs also.