Some of the Los Angeles wildfires might potentially be waning, but in their aftermath, emotional and mental health concerns are growing.
That’s true for people experiencing the trauma of devastation and loss firsthand, as well as those following the news from a distance, said Rabbi Jason weiner, PhD, senior rabbi at Cedars-Sinai and director of the Spiritual Care Department.
“This tragedy reminds us all of our vulnerability,” he said.
Itai Danovitch,MD,chair of the medical center’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences,said feeling distress and anxiety right now is normal,as is feeling numb or disconnected from emotions.
“There is no one-size-fits-all response to the challenges we’re facing, and adapting to stress can take time, but it helps to pinpoint specific sources of worry,” Danovitch said.“Is there nervousness about the safety of loved ones or a home? Is it the long-term impact on the community or uncertainty about air quality? Knowing this can definitely help manage anxiety in a constructive way.”
Among anxiety management tactics are maintaining daily routines and self-care while staying connected with supportive people,getting adequate rest and exercise and practicing relaxation or meditation exercises.
