Seismophobia is the excessive, persistent and uncontrollable fear of earthquakes, which can sometimes incapacitate a person, affecting their activities, decisions and even the way they direct their lives and that of their family. This time, psychologist Mary Castro, from Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information on this topic.

Behaviors that could indicate seismophobia

Fear of earthquakes is natural, since it appears due to the survival instinct; however, there are some behaviors that people adopt in relation to this event that can give indications of seismophobia. Among these are:

• Continuous fear despite having passed several weeks
• Isolation due to fear of earthquakes and little desire to socialize
• Change of plans or activities due to insecurity
• Recurring thoughts about the event

Among other behaviors that can last for several months.

Recommendations to cope with seismophobia

• Talk to a close person about the fear you feel
• Identify negative and fearful thoughts to try to stop them
• Apply some breathing technique
• Find a professional to work on a psychological treatment

This last recommendation is important when excessive fear begins to affect a person’s life, losing opportunities or limiting their personal and professional growth. For example: someone may not accept a job that may be in an office on high floors only for fear of a seismic event, that is when the support of a specialist can help improve the situation.

Mary Castro
Psychologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma