The Psychology of Ghost Earthquakes
The recent earthquakes are affecting us all in the same way; we find ourselves asking ourselves:
“Why do I feel like I am constantly shaking?”
An earthquake is not just a tremor. It actually touches on the most fundamental emotion within us: the safety need. Because an earthquake suddenly reminds us that we are not as in control as we think. This is where the real tremor begins.
The Earthquake Ends; The Fear Does Not: What are Ghost Earthquakes?
Almost everyone who experiences an earthquake shares a common phrase:
“It is as if the ground has moved again.”
This is called a “ghost earthquake,” or, in its scientific name, the illusion of shaking. The ground does not actually move, but because your nervous system is still on alert, you feel like there is a slight tremor.
This can cause you to experience the following:
• A sudden feeling like the ground is moving
• A feeling like your body is moving slightly back and forth while sitting
• Staring at the ceiling light, wondering if it is moving yet
• Feeling as if you are shaking when you lie down in bed
• Perceiving even the slightest noise as an earthquake
These symptoms do not mean “I am mentally unstable.” On the contrary:
Your body is trying to protect you.
The nervous system remains in “alert mode” for a certain period after experiencing a major scare. Just like someone who has withdrawn their hand from a fire reacts faster the next time they experience it.
Why is Earthquake Anxiety so Deep?
An earthquake is not like other fears. Because:
• It is unpredictable
• It is uncontrollable
• The escape route is often uncertain
• And it often suggests the possibility of death
This is precisely the point that human psychology cannot handle.
The amygdala, the “danger” part of the brain, registers an earthquake as a threat for a long time. That is why, even days later, even a small noise, a shaking sensation, or even the roar of the wind can make you jump.
Trauma is not Experienced the Same For Everyone
Not everyone experiences an earthquake in the same way. Even two siblings living in the same house can react differently.
Some become silent.
Some talk constantly.
Some cannot be alone.
Some act as if nothing is wrong.
Some keep their bag by the door.
Some do not even want to take a shower.
These differences are actually quite natural. People develop different coping mechanisms for life. Some freeze in the face of fear; some find comfort in talking; others seek a sense of control. None of these are wrong.
How Long do Ghost Earthquakes Last?
This is different for everyone. It can last days or weeks. However, the following may generally be experienced:
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Mistaking every vibration for an earthquake
• Exaggerating sounds inside the house
• Mentally re-planning escape routes
• Thoughts of “What if it happens now?”
Most of these are normal. The body learns to turn off its alarm system over time. However, if anxiety continues to disrupt quality of life, interferes with work, and causes constant sleep disruptions even after months, seeking professional support is very beneficial.
What Does Constant Alertness Really Mean?
The feeling of “constant alert” is actually a message.
Many psychological symptoms experienced after an earthquake are like messages a person gives themselves:
• “I am not safe.”
• “I want to be in control.”
• “I want to be prepared.”
• “I do not want surprise danger.”
However, it is important to understand that fear is not our enemy; it is one of our human emotions. This emotion acts as an inner voice guiding us to appropriate behavior.
For example, after an earthquake, many people pack emergency bags, secure belongings, and plan their exit route. All of these are actually psychological attempts to heal themselves.
So, How to Cope With This Anxiety?
Here, methods that everyone can implement in daily life are as important as scientific recommendations:
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Talking about earthquakes does not bring harm; on the contrary, it improves them. Many people think, “My fear grows the more I talk.” In fact, it grows the more I do not talk. It lessens the more I share. Do not be afraid to speak up.
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It is normal to mistake small vibrations for earthquakes. We call this “illusion.” It will diminish over time.
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It is okay if sounds like phone alarms, notifications, or loud noises suddenly make you panic. It is a sign that your nervous system is still alert. Just knowing your body is protecting you can be comforting.
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Preparation reduces anxiety. An earthquake kit, securing your house, an exit plan. These are not “doom-mongering”; they are ways to regain control.
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If you wake up with a start, you are not alone. Thousands of people experience the same thing. This is a completely normal process until the brain completely shuts off the danger signal.
Not a Ghost Earthquake, But a Somatic Memory
Many symptoms experienced after an earthquake are actually somatic memory. The body does not forget the fear it experienced and remains alert for a while. Just like your heart racing all day after receiving bad news. Even if the shaking has stopped, the tremors within us continue. This is because the mind stores the events in the body, not the mind.
Earthquakes End, But Human Wounds Heal Slowly
Most importantly, the psychological symptoms experienced after an earthquake are not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, they indicate that a person’s survival mechanism is working.
“It is not just the building that shakes; it is the person’s inner world itself.”
And every inner world finds its own rhythm again over time.