Wildfires are usually triggered by lightning or accidents and often go unnoticed at first. They can spread quickly and are especially destructive if they occur near forest, rural areas, remote mountain sites, and other woodland settings where people live. While not reported as often as floods, tornadoes, or severe storms, they, too, can cause emotional distress in people living in affected areas.
Who is at risk for emotional distress? People living in communities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Utah and other states where wild fires often occur may be vulnerable to emotional distress. People at risk for emotional distress due to wildfires include the following:
- Children and Teens After a wildfire, young people may worry that another one will happen again, especially if they witnessed the fire and the loss of their home. Some children may become withdrawn, become agitated and irritable or display outbursts of anger.
- Older Adults Older adults are more likely to need social support to reduce the effects of stress and move forward on the path of recovery. They also may have limited physical mobility and lack independence.
- First Responders and Recovery Workers These individuals may experience prolonged separation from loved ones (depending on the severity of the wildfire) and show signs of mental fatigue.
Once warnings and evacuation orders are issued, the risk for emotional distress becomes greater:
- You or your loved ones may feel unprepared, isolated or confused. Uncertainty about where to go during a wildfire, how to keep you and your loved ones safe, how to care for your pets, or whether you will be able to continue taking medications can cause emotional distress.
- You may lose contact with impacted loved ones.
- If you are relocated or lost your house to a wildfire, being in an unfamiliar environment can be difficult , especially for people with limited physical mobility, economic means, or knowledge of the familiar language.
Returning to a home, business school, or place of worship impacted by a wildfire may cause additional distress, especially if there is structural damage.
Keep in mind, the anniversary of tragic events can renew feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness in disaster survivors. Certain smells or sounds, such as smoke or sirens, can also trigger emotional distress. The trigger events can happen at any time.
BHS can assist employers and their consultants with behavioral health issues and how to integrate mental health wellbeing into your traditional wellbeing options. Contact us today to discuss a personalized proposal for your group.