Coping With Crisis – Getting Mental Health Support After the LA Wildfires

Natural disasters, such as wildfires, storms, earthquakes, and floods, can have profound effects not only on our physical safety but also on our mental health. Everyone who witnesses or experiences a disaster is affected in some way.

During these crises, feelings of anxiety, depression, and helplessness often intensify, as routines are disrupted and uncertainty looms. Prioritizing your mental health alongside physical safety is essential to navigate these challenging times effectively.

The Psychological Impact of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can trigger a wide range of emotional responses. Even if you are not directly affected, you may experience heightened anxiety from witnessing the devastation or worrying about loved ones.

Common mental health impacts during crises include:

• Acute Stress Reaction: Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, or hypervigilance often accompany overwhelming stress.
• Grief: Loss of homes, communities, or loved ones can lead to feelings of hopelessness and sadness, a natural but deeply challenging response to disaster.
• Increased Anxiety: The uncertainty and unpredictability of disasters can exacerbate general anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
• Post-Traumatic Stress: Those directly impacted may develop symptoms of PTSD, including intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or avoidance behaviors.

Coping Strategies During a Crisis

When faced with a natural disaster, managing emotional well-being becomes as critical as addressing physical needs. Here are some strategies to help:

1. Assess for Safety: Ensure physical safety first by following evacuation orders and emergency protocols. Check in on others to ensure they are physically safe and have access to shelter, food, and water.
2. Focus on the Basics: Establish a simple routine to regain a sense of stability amidst chaos. Prioritize rest when possible, hydration, and nutrition. Adding small moments of mindfulness and meditation to basic self-care actions can help regulate your body’s stress response.
3. Practice Grounding Techniques: Grounding can help anchor you to the present moment and alleviate feelings of panic or overwhelm.
   • 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: Identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
   • Box Breathing: Inhale for a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and pause for 4. Repeat several times to calm your nervous system.
   • Physical Grounding: Place your feet firmly on the ground, press your palms together, or hold a comforting object to reconnect with your body.
4. Limit Exposure to Distressing News: While staying informed is essential, excessive exposure to disaster coverage can heighten anxiety. Set boundaries around how much news you consume and take breaks from social media.
5. Stay Connected: Reach out to loved ones for support. Whether through a quick text, phone call, or virtual meeting, maintaining connections can provide emotional relief and a sense of community. Support groups are also available to offer a space where we can feel less alone.
6. Get Engaged: Helping others can help you feel a sense of agency, purpose, and empowerment.

When to Seek Professional Support

For many, the strategies above may provide relief, but professional support can be crucial during prolonged or severe distress.

Consider seeking help if you experience:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
• Difficulty functioning in daily life.
• Intense anxiety or panic that disrupts your ability to cope.
• Intrusive thoughts or nightmares related to the crisis.
• Engaging in substance abuse to cope

Symptoms may persist for years, especially if a person doesn’t seek help or has a pre-existing mental illness. Getting mental health help can reduce the chance of experiencing long-term problems.

Related: Signs It’s Time to Ask for Help with Your Mental Health

Children and Teens are at Risk Too

Children and teens may feel overwhelmed, scared, or confused when faced with the threat of natural disasters like wildfires. These events can threaten a child’s sense of safety. Be honest with your children or teen about the situation but keep the conversation age-appropriate. Limit their exposure to images of disasters and listen to their concerns.

First Responders Affected

Firefighters and others on the front lines are already vulnerable to developing mental health conditions at a higher rate compared to the general population. Dealing with wildfires can be especially stressful, taking a heavy toll on their mental well-being.

Clear Behavioral Health Support

At Clear Behavioral Health, we understand the toll that natural disasters like wildfires have on mental health. Our competent and caring professionals are here to provide mental health support and crisis services to those in our community affected by these events. We offer online treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and more for both teens and adults.

If you or a loved one need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Even in the face of uncertainty, help and resources are always available.

Resources for those in need of support:

• Temporary Housing with Emergency Airbnb Support
• Register for LA County Emergency Alerts
• Wildfire Relief Donations
• American Red Cross Disaster Relief Effort
• Crisis counseling from a trained crisis counselor

How to Help a Loved One

If you have a family member or friend who lives in areas affected by the wildfires, there are some things you can do to help:

• Provide a Listening Ear: People may need emotional support after going through a disaster. Simply check in and provide a shoulder to cry on.
• Help with Problem-Solving: Survivors may not know where to go for help or resources. Assist them by brainstorming solutions.
• Offer Tangible Help: Providing meals, gift cards, and other tangible assistance to loved ones can help them feel less worried and stressed during this difficult time.
• Don’t Invalidate Their Feelings: Avoid saying things like “at least you are alive.” Instead, let the person know you are sorry and simply listen.

Building Resilience Together

Crisis and natural disasters remind us of the importance of community and shared resilience. By prioritizing mental health, using effective coping strategies, and seeking professional support when needed, we can navigate these challenges together.

Going through a natural disaster takes an immense toll – not just on our surroundings, but on our hearts and minds. If you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma, or overwhelming emotions in the aftermath of these wildfires, please know that these feelings are valid and that healing is possible.

Your Path to Healing Starts Here

You’ve shown incredible strength in weathering this crisis. Now, let us help you take the next step. At Clear Behavioral Health, our compassionate team offers a range of mental health services all over Los Angeles, California including programs in Pasadena, CA, El Segundo, CA, Santa Clarita, CA, and Van Nuys, CA to support you.

Contact us to learn more about our mental health treatment services including trauma-informed therapy, residential mental health and outpatient mental health programs, mental health treatment for teens, and virtual therapy options. We accept most health insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to ensure care is accessible when you need it most.

You don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. Reach out today, and let’s build a path forward together.