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What is post-earthquake rocking syndrome and how can it be managed?

May 12, 2025
3 days ago
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hey everyone, just wanted to share something in case anyone else has experienced it. Ever since the earthquake a few weeks ago, I’ve still been feeling like things are swaying or moving slightly, especially when I’m standing still. I read it might be something called “post-earthquake rocking syndrome” or MdDS. If anyone’s felt the same or knows anything about it, I’d appreciate any advice.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
After an earthquake, some individuals may experience lingering sensations of swaying or movement, which could be connected to a condition known as post-earthquake rocking syndrome or Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS). Forum users share their experiences and coping strategies, like staying hydrated and engaging in relaxing activities. Sensitivity to aftershocks, anxiety triggers, and possible mental health aspects associated with experiencing the quake were also discussed, highlighting a diverse range of responses to the seismic event.
Upadhyay *********
It is the same with me. I am feeling exactly the same very often.
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Upadhyay ********
More info:

These symptoms are part of the post-traumatic stress that may occur after an earthquake.

Additionally, this could last about three months and disappear over time. Feeling dizzy after an earthquake is related to the perception in the brain, as the ear, which is the organ responsible for sending signals of movement and balance, is altered.

This happens because the brain works based on the body's sensations, but since the eyes, which work together with the ears, do not perceive movement, the brain sends incorrect signals to the entire body, primarily affecting balance.
Robert ********
I’ve had that every time I came back from a week or more on a sailboat.

The concrete feels like swaying.
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert *******
I'm a nautical skipper, although I haven't driven for years since I've lived here. An ENT doctor has prescribed me some daily exercises to improve my symptoms.
Robert ********
@Jordee *****
Good. Didn’t know that exists. I did skipper in my 20s in the Mediterranean and once in the Caribbean. Was a lot of fun.
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert *******
Yes, me too in the Balearic Islands.
Keith *******
Too much Singha beer.
Bill **********
It probably happens after you've been drinking .😊
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bill *********
You show as much empathy as a member of MS-13.
Wayne *****
Maybe it's the Chang shakes.
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jason *****
Well, maybe my mind doesn't forget (for now) that moment of the shaking ground because I automatically thought of my son, who was at school, and I panicked for a few seconds thinking about what might be happening in that school building.

Indeed, later he told me that the building of his school was shaken, and at that moment my mind broke. I am still thinking about it.
Jason ******
@Jordee *****
yes it's your own trauma more than it happening ,you can beat that 🙏🏼
Kev ********
B-12…..
Erik *******
Go find somewhere that has earthquakes and go through another strong one to “reset” yourself 🤷🏻‍♂️
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Erik ******
I'm not convinced, Thanks

For now I prefer the glass of water method, as someone very suggestively warned me.

Take It easy !
Juls ******
Go on a boat, your brain will be in the same situation, and will so have longer time to process. Myself im boating since kid, im not subject to sea sickness, but everytime i get out of the moving boat, then i fall "earth-sick" and feel dizzy a few hours. Good luck !
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Juls *****
The thing is, I have a nautical qualification, but I don't know. This time, my feeling of balance is lasting for several weeks.
Steve ********
@Jordee *****
Same here, and it drives me insane! i live on floor 41 and still feel sort of traumatized from that day. Especially when i hear wind sounds or some sounds like cracking of the wooden wardrobe when the aircon blows on it....really sucks
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *******
I simply when I'm sitting, when I'm static
Baz ******
Drink less beer
Erik *******
@Baz *****
nope the cure is to drink more beer
Tony *******
Wise up..
Thomas ************
si tacuisses
David *******
Are you gen y ?
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
Yes i am Genyus. Thanks for asking, sir.
David *******
@Jordee *****
Toughen up. And enjoy every moment of your life.
Jeremy ********
It’s called vertigo or colloquially as sea sickness
Bri *****
How does this impact your visa ? Never heard the like and where were you when this happened. Jackanory comes to mind
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bri ****
I'm amazed at your ability to deflect a topic.
Bri *****
@Jor***
go and talk in sickness or other forum nothing to do with visa or you just seeking some attention- god help us with people like you around. Never heard such tripe. 🤣
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Let’s see, you insolent boy.

Are you the admin of this group?

NO

Are you the moderator of this group?

NO

Then, can you guess who and why approved my post?

Do you need more help to understand?

Do you want to keep being disturbed?
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Well, thanks to everyone. The truth is that what I’m explaining is real, but some people don't believe it. According to some, I made it up, or even people who have experienced seismic tremors or earthquakes haven’t had the sensation I described. Well, I’m fine, I don’t have anxiety, but I still feel that sensation, especially when I'm sitting anywhere.

The comment about observing a glass of water has been very encouraging. Thank you for the simple idea.
Marty *********
I lived inCalifornia for 40 years. I’ve never heard of this and I’ve been through plenty of earthquakes.
Frank ******
You invented new syndrome
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *****
Thank you for your congratulations.
Manfred **********
Every time a big truck roars by, my room sways a little. That's normal and actually intended by the engineers.
Deby **************
This strange feeling of motion when there isn't any is weird. Sometimes when I am sat in a car at traffic lights, it feels like the car is rolling backwards. If you got car sickness as a kid, its likely all linked. I suffered from strange vertigo for a while too, every time I stood up, I would almost fall over, like the world was rocking on a boat. So I know totally how you feel. Some are more sensitive to it than others. But it will pass. Walking is actually excellent for it, that side to side movement as you walk is very calming. Also try the sound bath relaxation sessions - there is a good mixed sound bath at Chiang Mai Holistic that I find useful. Good luck, hope you feel better soon.
Deby **************
And ignore all the rude losers on here. It takes a lot to reach out when you aren't feeling yourself.
David *******
The buildings are swaying and moving. Totally normal, all designed and planned. No building stands completely rigid without moving. There needs to be some flexibility to prevent damage
Carlos *********
Earthquake drunk

If it just wont go away try an inversion table.
Jordi ********
The 90k strangers in this facebookgroup will know what to do, don't worry.
Peter ********
I drink some Beers and the whole City is shaking and spinning around my head ... cheers
Ralph *******
I’ve been in northern Thailand for about 6 weeks and haven’t felt a thing.
Jason ******
Probably just in your mind ,I lived in Lombok for 3 yrs and had quakes most months ,a few big ones over 7,and never felt anything in between but your mind sometimes make you wonder did you feel something ,try not to think about it ,that will help as it was such a minor quake in Bangkok ,it's or probably your own anxiety .
Stephen ********
I felt the same until I read that I should keep a glass of water in view. No movement =no quake! Try that
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen *******
Great, so great ! 😂
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
No movement
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Michael ********
I did read about this so it does exist, apparently it can take a few months until it goes away,
Jordee ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
Noted, thanks
Frank **********
There have been minor aftershock especially up north. You may be possibly sensitive to them.
Cassius **********
@Frank *********
Ive experienced what OP is referring to. It's not aftershocks. It's the body and mind convinced it's happening when it definitely isn't.

There have been aftershocks, but what OP is describing is not that.

Now I'm thinking about it I'm even feeling it a bit now 😂
Johnie *********
@Cassius *********
my Thai wife was having similar issues. I told her it was all in her mind. Either she will not discuss it anymore with me, which would be normal Thai, or she is no longer experiencing them.

Several people have told me they just can't get past it. I remind them, your destiny is already determined. Don't let this ruin what's left of your life.

For the most part, syndromes can be worked out in your head.

Good luck with it.
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