Dr. Anne Eyre (59) visited Korea in 2019 to attend an international forum to support disaster victims and strengthen their rights. Provided by 4/16 Foundation
“At this time of deep sadness as we mark the first anniversary of Itaewon, please know that people like me all over the world are thinking of you and being with you.” Dr. Ann Eyre (59), who is active in the British disaster victims’ solidarity ‘Disaster Action’, sent a letter to the families and survivors of the Itaewon disaster and Korean citizens on the 29th. Dr. Eyre, a sociologist, became a disaster management expert after surviving the ‘Hillsborough disaster’ in April 1989, at the age of 25, where 97 soccer fans were crushed to death at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, England, and more than 760 were injured. Dr. Eyre said to Korean citizens, “(Bereaved families and survivors) receiving social support, including care from others and the belief that they can get help when needed, makes a big difference in their psychological well-being after a disaster,” adding, “Especially in situations like the first anniversary of a disaster.” “On this anniversary, please focus on these ‘basics’,” he asked. Dr. Eyre’s letter was delivered to the Hankyoreh through the April 16 Foundation on this day, marking the first anniversary of the Itaewon disaster. She said that Dr. Eyre offered words of comfort and solidarity to the bereaved families, survivors, and Korean citizens who were greatly hurt by the Itaewon disaster, as well as advice on how to manage psychological trauma. Dr. Eyre said the shock she felt 34 years ago and the government’s mishandling were repeated in the Itaewon tragedy. He said, “The Itaewon disaster was the result of a failure to manage the crowd in a situation where so many people were crowded in a limited space, like the Hillsborough incident, resulting in many casualties.” He added, “Afterwards, the authorities and people who had not been there criticized us even though we were not responsible, and continued to criticize us and criticize us negatively.” “We created a story and passed on responsibility,” he said. “When you are surrounded by so many scenes of suffering, when horror unfolds all around you, when the difference between life and death seems so random, when you feel that you should have saved someone else, it is natural to feel guilty and not be able to stop thinking about it,” he said. “It’s not your fault that you couldn’t control it,” he said. At the same time, he said that talking about these feelings and thoughts rather than avoiding them was a great help in healing the trauma. Dr. Eyre said, “After the Hillsborough disaster, I still found it helpful to talk to people I trusted about what really happened and how it made me. If you feel ready and want to talk, do so, but if you don’t, that’s okay.” He said. Lastly, Dr. Eyre said to the general public, “Therapists helped me, but in the long run, it was mostly my colleagues who made me understand my own guilt, find out the truth about the disaster, and take responsibility for it,” adding, “This is something that all public officials in the UK need to do.” “It led to the creation of legislation (Hillsborough Law) requiring legal obligations for candor, truth, and responsibility.” “I hope we take the time to understand the tragedy and find meaning,” he said, adding, “This can be a starting point for healing.” Dr. Eyre also sent trauma management guidelines for bereaved families and survivors. Include this with the article. So what should we do? Here are some tips and suggestions for you to choose from. And advice from trauma experts is included in the box. You are the expert on yourself. You will find out for yourself what is best for you. • Stay in touch with loved ones who support you, and give yourself time and loving care. • Decide whether you will participate in memorial activities and ceremonies. Decide whether you want to share publicly or participate in a private way. Many people find rituals and connecting with others helpful, but it is important to have choice and control over them. Many people may feel that it is a particularly anxious time as anniversaries approach, but they may also feel a sense of relief once they have passed. • Try to organize and resolve your emotions and thoughts. Journaling, talking, and exercising are all ways to help your body digest stress and avoid letting emotions build up. • Your private thoughts and feelings can help someone. It may also be helpful to talk to someone you trust or someone who can talk to you (a survivor of another disaster). Please remember that you are worthy of their support and understanding. • Avoid focusing too much on images, news and social media. Ask yourself if looking at social media is really helpful right now. If not, please take a break. • Please understand that people are upset. You can too. It is natural to fall into indescribable sadness and feel unable to work at all. There is no need to try to understand all those feelings. It’s just how grief and trauma work. • Anger and sadness are not all bad. Anger can also give us energy to stay resilient and focus on what needs to be done. However, if your anger does not subside over time, grows larger, or becomes unbearable, seek help. Why are these things important? 1) Because you deserve it. You did not want this to happen, and you are not responsible for Itaewon and other tragedies. (You could also try talking about survivor’s guilt if that’s what you’re thinking about.) 2) Once you’ve sorted out your emotions, you’ll have a space to socialize and act out with others. (Including the search for truth and justice in Itaewon) However, I sincerely hope that you will not be inactive at the expense of your precious self. Reporter Go Byeong-chan [email protected]
2023-10-29 22:00:25
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