An open wound: new Colombia earthquake sparks conversation about trauma

On Tuesday, Colombia was struck by a powerful 5.6 magnitude earthquake, causing citizens across the nation to evacuate their homes in the early hours. While no major damage was reported this time, the mental and emotional impact of the disaster has become a topic of discussion, particularly as the country is still grappling with the aftermath of the August 10 earthquake.

In Bogotá, dozens of citizens were forced to evacuate due to the tremor, as the government reports no significant damage or injuries so far. Colombian news anchor Rossy Lemos shared her own struggles with sleep and overall well-being following the tragedy, revealing that she has been unable to sleep well for nearly three months due to recurring dreams of the ground shaking.

Psychologists have noted that trauma is not only experienced through direct involvement, but also through witnessing the suffering and traumatic experiences of others. Sara Rubiano, a clinical and legal psychologist, explained that people can develop the same fear responses to similar situations just by hearing about them or having continuous contact with those who have gone through traumatic events.

For those affected by the August disaster, another earthquake can intensify their fear, even if the situation is less dangerous. Rubiano emphasized that collective trauma implies the breakdown of a community's daily life and social connections, which may not be present in this instance. However, the simultaneous fear experienced by many does not necessarily mean everyone has been traumatized, as individual circumstances and personal resources shape the experience of trauma.

Experts recommend various strategies to cope with the fear, such as limiting news and social media consumption, sharing common spaces with others, and maintaining basic self-care routines.