If you or someone you know is grappling with mental health challenges stemming from wildfires, help is available. Call 1-800-985-5990 to reach the Disaster Distress Helpline. For immediate support, dial 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Wildfires are more than just a physical threat—they leave an indelible mark on mental health, a reality Dr. Jyoti Mishra understands all too well. As the associate director of the UC Climate Change and Mental Health council and an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, Mishra has dedicated her career to studying how environmental crises impact the human psyche.while her city remains untouched by flames, her family in los Angeles has been forced to flee their home, seeking refuge with her in San Diego.
“All our family from LA is here with us, and we’re happy they’ve made it,” Mishra shared. “We’re hoping their home is safe up there, but we don’t know yet.” The uncertainty lingers, a testament to the emotional toll wildfires exact on those affected.
Wildfires not only destroy landscapes but also disrupt lives, leaving behind a trail of anxiety, fear, and grief. For many, the trauma persists long after the flames are extinguished. Mishra’s work highlights the urgent need for mental health resources tailored to those navigating the aftermath of such disasters. As climate change fuels more frequent and intense wildfires, the psychological burden is expected to grow.
Understanding the connection between environmental crises and mental health is crucial. Mishra’s research underscores the importance of community support, accessible mental health care, and proactive measures to mitigate stress during such events. “It’s not just about the immediate danger,” she explains. “It’s about how we heal, rebuild, and prepare for the future.”
As wildfires continue to ravage regions across the country, the conversation must expand to include mental health.Resources like the Disaster Distress Helpline and the suicide and Crisis Lifeline are vital, but broader systemic changes are needed to address the long-term effects of these disasters. For now, Mishra’s story serves as a reminder of resilience—and the power of community in times of crisis.
Table of Contents
- 1. The Hidden Toll of Wildfires: Mental Health Impacts Beyond the Flames
- 2. How to Get Help
- 3. The Hidden Mental Health Risks of Wildfire Smoke
- 4. Protecting Yourself During Wildfire Smoke Events
- 5. Beyond the Smoke: Long-Term Implications
- 6. Get CNN Health’s weekly newsletter
- 7. What specific, actionable strategies can parents and caregivers implement to help children experiencing emotional distress following a wildfire, beyond those mentioned in the article?
wildfires are often discussed in terms of their immediate physical destruction—homes reduced to ash, forests turned to charred landscapes, and lives tragically lost. Though,the emotional and psychological scars left behind are just as devastating,though less visible. For those who experience the threat of losing their homes or communities, the mental health toll can be profound and long-lasting.
Studies have consistently shown that the uncertainty surrounding wildfires can lead to a surge in mental health challenges.Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among survivors. Research focusing on the 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California revealed that individuals directly impacted by the disaster were far more likely to suffer from these conditions compared to those in unaffected areas.
“It can also make you feel cognitively impacted, as well,” noted Mishra, a researcher who has studied the psychological effects of wildfires. “Our work has shown that it’s hard to pay attention to a singular thing when everything around you feels like it’s threatening you.”
This cognitive strain is particularly evident during evacuation scenarios. hundreds of thousands of people in the Los Angeles area, currently facing some of the worst wildfires in the region’s history, are grappling with more than just the immediate danger to their physical safety. The mental health implications of such events extend far beyond the flames, affecting individuals long after the fires have been extinguished.
For those under evacuation orders or warnings,the stress of displacement,the fear of losing cherished possessions,and the uncertainty of what lies ahead can create a perfect storm of emotional turmoil. The psychological impact is not limited to the moment of crisis; it lingers, shaping how survivors navigate their lives in the aftermath.
As wildfires become more frequent and intense due to climate change, understanding and addressing their mental health consequences is crucial. Communities need robust support systems,including access to mental health resources,to help individuals cope with the trauma and rebuild their lives. The conversation around wildfires must expand to include not just the physical damage but also the invisible wounds that require healing.
In the face of such challenges, resilience becomes key.by acknowledging the full scope of wildfire impacts—both seen and unseen—we can better prepare for and respond to these disasters, ensuring that no one is left to face the aftermath alone.
Wildfires are not just a physical threat; their aftermath can leave deep emotional scars that persist long after the flames are extinguished. Research by Mishra highlights that some individuals continue to face mental health challenges months, or even years, after experiencing a wildfire. This underscores the profound and lasting impact these disasters can have on communities.
In the immediate aftermath, wildfires can shatter the sense of normalcy for those affected. Studies have shown that survivors frequently enough grapple with intense emotions like stress, anger, sadness, and depression. The trauma can manifest in physical ways too—loss of appetite, disrupted sleep, and even nightmares. For some,the distress becomes so overwhelming that they turn to substances like drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
The long-term psychological effects can be even more severe.Even individuals with no prior history of mental health issues may find themselves struggling with anxiety,depression,or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research indicates that PTSD symptoms can linger for months, and in certain specific cases, up to a decade after the event. this prolonged mental health burden highlights the need for sustained support for wildfire survivors.
How to Get Help
- For immediate counseling, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. This service is available to anyone affected by wildfires in Los Angeles.
- If you or someone you know is in crisis,contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
Addressing the mental health impact of wildfires requires a proactive approach. Early intervention, access to counseling, and community support can make a meaningful difference in helping survivors rebuild their lives. By understanding the emotional toll of these disasters,we can better prepare to offer the compassion and resources needed to heal.
When wildfires rage, the immediate concern is often the physical damage they cause.Though, the impact of wildfire smoke extends far beyond charred landscapes and environmental devastation. Recent research has uncovered a troubling connection between wildfire smoke and mental health,particularly anxiety disorders.
Dr. Yang Liu, chair of environmental health at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, has been at the forefront of this research. His 2024 study revealed a significant link between emergency department visits for anxiety and exposure to wildfire smoke. The findings were particularly striking for women, girls, and older adults, who experienced a heightened risk during major smoke events.
“Inhaling a lot of smoke can trigger an anxiety disorder.LA’s air quality level is 10 to 20 times above the national center, so it’s certainly a severe smoke event for the entire Southern california region.Certainly, the LA metro region is engulfed by heavy smoke,” Liu explained.
Protecting Yourself During Wildfire Smoke Events
As wildfire seasons intensify, taking proactive steps to safeguard both physical and mental health is crucial. dr. Liu emphasizes the importance of minimizing exposure to smoke. “People should take precautions and close windows, avoid doing outdoor activities, and if they have a HEPA filter in their A/C system or a standalone air filter, they should turn it on,” he advised.
Children, while frequently enough more resilient, are not immune to the effects of smoke exposure. Parents should be vigilant in ensuring their kids avoid prolonged outdoor activities during these events. Simple measures, such as staying indoors and using air purifiers, can make a significant difference in reducing exposure.
Beyond the Smoke: Long-Term Implications
The mental health risks associated with wildfire smoke highlight a broader issue: the growing intersection of environmental and psychological well-being.As climate change fuels more frequent and severe wildfires, understanding and mitigating these risks becomes increasingly urgent.
Dr. Liu’s research serves as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities to prioritize mental health alongside environmental safety. By raising awareness and implementing protective measures,we can better navigate the challenges posed by wildfire smoke and its far-reaching consequences.
As wildfires continue to ravage parts of California, experts are raising concerns about the psychological toll these disasters are taking on children. Dr. Sabrina Renteria, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Cedars-Sinai, warns that the emotional impact on young minds could be significant. “We absolutely anticipate that this will have a huge uptick in mental health issues with children,” she said.
Children, Renteria explains, are highly intuitive and can sense when something is wrong, even if they don’t fully understand the situation. The uncertainty and fear surrounding wildfires can leave them feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed. “They can sense the tension in the air, and it makes them feel more helpless,” she added.
While Renteria’s home in Marina del Rey has not been directly affected by the flames, the indirect consequences of the fires—such as power outages caused by strong winds—are a constant reminder of the crisis. At Cedars-Sinai, where she works, the emergency room has seen an increase in children seeking help for anxiety and other mental health concerns during wildfire season.
To help children cope, Renteria emphasizes the importance of open communication. “Adults need to be honest about what’s happening and talk to them about how they’re feeling,” she said. Providing a safe space for children to express their emotions can help mitigate the long-term effects of trauma.
When emotions like anxiety or depression persist, seeking professional help is crucial—not just for adults, but for children as well. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, nonetheless of age, and addressing them early can make a significant difference in long-term well-being.
According to Renteria, a mental health expert, reestablishing a sense of normalcy is key for children after a disruptive event. “It’s crucial to get children back to their routine, classes, and friends as quickly as possible,” she emphasized. This return to familiarity helps rebuild stability, which is vital for emotional resilience. “Children can be very easily destabilized when their routine is sporadic,” she added.
Parents and caregivers play a pivotal role in shaping how children cope with stress or trauma. Renteria noted that children frequently enough mirror the behavior of those around them. “Teens and children mimic their parents and loved ones, so it’s very importent that, if you’re experiencing a tragedy, you practice and display good coping mechanisms,” she said. “It’s equally critically important for parents to take care of themselves.”
Open communication is another cornerstone of helping children navigate difficult emotions. Renteria suggested that parents be honest about their own feelings. “I think openly communicating with their child,saying ‘yes,I’m feeling really sad today,’ or explaining that ‘there’s a lot of things around us that’s been troubling me,’ can be helpful,” she said. “You can give examples, but then talk to them about how you’re going to cope with this.”
Simple, everyday activities can also serve as powerful tools for managing stress. Renteria highlighted the benefits of listening to music and practicing deep-breathing exercises. “Something as simple as listening to music can definitely help the body destress naturally,” she explained. These small yet effective strategies can provide a sense of calm during challenging times.
Ultimately, fostering emotional well-being requires a combination of professional support, open dialog, and practical coping techniques. By prioritizing mental health and modeling healthy behaviors, parents can help their children—and themselves—navigate life’s ups and downs with greater resilience.
“It helps slow your body’s natural response to anxiety and stimulates the vagus nerve, and it calms your whole body,” Renteria said. This simple yet effective technique can be a game-changer for those struggling with stress or trauma,offering a natural way to regain control over their emotional state.
Mishra also emphasizes the importance of mindfulness exercises. “Being mindful and present in the moment, without letting past traumas intrude, can considerably aid in healing the brain,” she explained. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help individuals stay grounded and focused, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Renteria suggests that volunteering within the community can also be a powerful tool for healing. Engaging in acts of service not only fosters a sense of purpose but also connects individuals with others who share similar experiences. “Talking with others who have gone thru the wildfires can help both children and adults process their emotions and find strength in shared resilience,” she noted. This sense of community can be a vital support system during recovery.
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“In many times, for these kinds of disasters, we put them in this framework of doom and gloom, but we need to shift that to a survive-and-thrive framework, where the planet that we have is just one planet and that if we all work together, we can make better things happen,” Mishra said.
People also need to be careful not to isolate themselves in the wake of the wildfires, she said. Those who have stronger family connections and community support are more resilient, her research shows.
“Collective healing is needed,” Mishra said.
People who are watching the wildfires from far away should be sure to keep friends and family in California in mind.
“When you’re communicating with other people, it shouldn’t be a bunch of doom and gloom, especially in front of your child. And for teachers too, since children take cues from their elders,” she said.
Children and adults should limit how much news and social media they see. Adults could also check out news stories before watching them with their children and then have a conversation about them. They might wont to use the stories as an opportunity to point out the good work first responders and volunteers are doing.
“Definitely reach out to others,” Mishra emphasized, highlighting the importance of community support in times of crisis. Whether it’s a neighbour, a friend, or a stranger, extending a hand can make a world of difference.
In the wake of disasters, many individuals find themselves displaced, often without essentials like food or financial resources. Direct contributions can play a pivotal role in addressing these immediate needs. By supporting local initiatives, you can help ensure that those affected have the basics to sustain themselves during challenging times.
“Just so that they can get by on a day-to-day basis and focus on rebuilding instead of having to worry about where they are going to get dinner today,” Mishra noted. “These are just little things that we can all help out with others, because eventually, with climate change, this is not something that’s isolated to a region. It may happen one day to any of us.” This statement serves as a reminder that the impact of climate-related events is far-reaching, and collective action is essential.
What specific, actionable strategies can parents and caregivers implement to help children experiencing emotional distress following a wildfire, beyond those mentioned in the article?
The article emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health, particularly for children, in the aftermath of traumatic events like wildfires. It highlights the role of parents and caregivers in modeling healthy coping mechanisms and fostering open communication to help children navigate their emotions. Key strategies include reestablishing routines, practicing mindfulness, engaging in community activities, and utilizing simple stress-relief techniques like deep breathing and listening to music.The piece also underscores the value of professional support and community connections in building resilience and promoting long-term emotional well-being. By prioritizing mental health and fostering a sense of normalcy, families can better navigate the challenges posed by such disruptive events.
