Girl recovers from psychological impact of earthquake
Emotional support is helping Kristelyn overcome her experiences
28 May 2002<strong>In Makilala, North Cotabato, 17-year-old Kristelyn remembers trembling in fear and running out of their frail house, when an earthquake jolted the province in the Philippines in October 2020. The quake destroyed their house, and Kristelyn and her family now live in a tent where their house once stood.</strong>
At such a young age, Kristelyn has been through a lot. After surviving the devastating earthquake, she fell into a depression and cried for no apparent reason. She talked less and preferred to be on her own. Six months on, she still feels afraid that another quake could strike at any time.
But Kristelyn has started to recover with the support of Plan International and Balay Mindanaw Foundation’s child protection in emergencies interventions. Through our psychosocial activities, funded by the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund, Kristelyn is learning how to cope with her feelings. During these sessions, Kristelyn has started smiling and talking again, actively participating with other young people in the group.
“I am so happy that my family and I are also among the many beneficiaries of the water kits, hygiene kits and dignity kits,” Kristelyn says. “Thank you Plan International and Balay Mindanaw for helping with my mental health.”
Categories: Emergencies
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