The Los Angeles Wildfires Through a Therapist’s Lens
It is an unfortunate truth that Los Angeles is all too familiar with the threat of wildfires. Every year, dry winds blow through the region, sparking fires that leave a path of destruction. However, it is important to recognize that the emotional impact of wildfires is just as profound, yet often overlooked. As therapists, we’ve seen firsthand how the stress, fear, and sense of loss from these fires ripple through our communities, deeply affecting mental health in ways that cannot be ignored.
What are the Normal Reactions To Wildfires?
Those directly affected by the wildfires might be overwhelmed by immediate psychological impacts, especially feeling shock and fear. The stress of evacuations, losing property, and the uncertainty about safety can trigger intense emotional reactions. Many individuals experience acute stress, which might manifest as increased anxiety, trouble sleeping, or a sense of helplessness. Children, in particular, often struggle with the disruption to their routines and the sudden feeling of danger, both of which can be especially unsettling for them.
How Will Wildfires Impact me in the Long-Term? Trauma and Grief
Even after the flames are doused, the emotional impacts and sense of devastation can linger. Many survivors experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as intrusive memories of the fire, heightened alertness, or avoiding reminders of the event. For those who have lost homes or loved ones, grief can feel especially overwhelming, made even harder by the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. The emotional recovery from such a traumatic event takes time, and it’s crucial to acknowledge the lasting effects it can have. In summary, trauma and grief can both result in long-term from natural disasters such as the Los Angeles wildfires.
How Will the Poor Air Quality From the Wildfires Affect My Health?
The physical effects of poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke can also indirectly affect an individual’s mental health. Extended exposure to smoke has been linked to fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating. For those already facing mental health challenges, these physical symptoms can make the experience of stress or depression even harder to manage. It is helpful to recognize how these factors can combine, adding another layer of difficulty for individuals during such distressing times.
How Do Wildfires Impact Communities?
The impact of the wildfires is widespread, reaching even those who are not in its direct path. Continuous news reports, smoky skies, and the creeping dread of impending disaster can heighten anxiety for many Angelenos. This collective tension can put a strain on relationships and negatively impact the community’s overall well-being.
How Can I Cope with The Aftermath of the Wildfires? Building Mental Resilience!
While the challenges are significant, there are steps individuals and communities can take to improve resilience:
- Seek Professional Support: Therapists trained in trauma treatment can offer valuable tools for processing emotions and developing healthy coping strategies.
- Stay Connected: Allow yourself to lean on friends, family, and community networks for emotional support. Staying connected is a powerful way to counter feelings of isolation.
- Practice Self-Care: Focus on activities that support your well-being, such as applying mindfulness techniques, doing regular exercise, and getting enough sleep.
- Limit Media Exposure: While staying informed is important, too much distressing news can increase anxiety. Setting boundaries around media consumption can help.
- Prepare for the Future: Taking proactive steps, like creating an emergency plan, can help reduce feelings of helplessness and provide a greater sense of control.
By taking these steps, individuals can better navigate the challenges and foster a sense of strength, both for themselves and their communities.
How Can Therapists Help
As therapists, we are uniquely qualified to support individuals and families through the emotional aftermath of wildfires. Whether through individual therapy, group sessions, or community workshops, we offer tools and guidance to help people heal and move forward. If you’re struggling, we encourage you to reach out. Remember, you’re not alone in this.
The wildfires in Los Angeles serve as a powerful reminder of nature’s force and highlight the fragility of our everyday lives. By addressing the mental health impacts with compassion and care, we can help our communities recover and emerge even stronger in the face of such adversity.
Silva Depanian is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC#121864) and Certified Anger Management Counselor at Avedian Counseling Center, providing services through telehealth and in Glendale. She specializes in anger management, chronic pain management, anxiety, and codependent relationships, assisting individuals and groups who seek a more fulfilling quality of life. Silva’s mission is to help clients achieve their goals using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness techniques, promoting change through encouraging boundary setting and fostering healthy communication. Whether in individual sessions or group settings, Silva is here to listen and collaborate with clients on their journey toward balance and happiness.
Silva Depanian is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC#121864) and Certified Anger Management Counselor at Avedian Counseling Center, offering services via telehealth and in Glendale. She specializes in chronic pain management, anxiety, anger management, and codependent relationships, working with individuals and groups who are seeking a more fulfilling quality of life. Silva’s mission is to help clients achieve their goals using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness techniques, through encouraging change, boundary setting, and healthy communication. Whether in individual sessions or group settings, Silva is here to listen, and works in tandem with clients on their journey towards balance and happiness.
