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Caring for mental health when wildfires strike

Posted on by brookeblanchard

Wildfires can affect more than the air we breathe. When a fire is nearby, people may feel worried about what will happen. Evacuation warnings, changes to daily routines, losing property or community spaces, and breathing smoke for a long time can all cause stress, anxiety, fear, grief, and other strong emotions.

As wildfires and smoke continue to impact communities across the state, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) wants to highlight the importance of supporting mental health as an important part of wildfire preparedness and recovery.

Feeling stressed is normal

“It’s completely understandable to feel uneasy when wildfires are threatening our communities or when smoke is affecting the air we breathe,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., Oregon Health Authority (OHA) health officer and state epidemiologist. “These conditions can take a real toll on our physical and mental health. Taking care of ourselves, staying connected with others and knowing where to turn for support can help us cope during these difficult times.”

Wildfire stress can affect anyone. People may feel fear, sadness, anger, grief, helplessness, trouble sleeping or trouble concentrating. Children and teens may also have strong emotional reactions, even if they are not directly affected by a fire or evacuation. People who have experienced disasters before may find that a new fire or smoke event brings back difficult memories.

Ways to support yourself and others

OHA recommends several steps people can take to care for themselves and help their communities:

  • Check in with neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Sometimes a simple conversation can help us feel less alone. Reach out to people who may need extra support, including older adults, children, and people with disabilities.
  • Create space to express emotions. Give yourself and others permission to talk about what they are experiencing. This can be especially important for children and teens.
  • Encourage rest and recovery. Healing takes time. Keeping routines when possible, resting, and connecting with comforting activities can help.
  • Take breaks from the news and social media. It’s important to stay informed, but constantly checking wildfire updates can increase stress. Look at trusted sources briefly, then step away.
  • Plan ahead for evacuation. Having a plan can reduce some of the worry that comes with wildfire threats. Know your evacuation zone and routes, sign up for emergency alerts, keep important medications and documents easy to reach, and have a go-bag ready.

Supporting children and teens

Parents and caregivers can help children feel safer by offering reassurance, keeping routines when possible, and letting them ask questions and express their feelings. During a wildfire or evacuation, kids may need extra comfort and familiar activities. Adults can model healthy coping behaviors by taking breaks, getting rest, talking with others and asking for help when needed.

Protecting mental health during smoke events

As wildfires continue to challenge communities across Oregon, it’s important to remember that no one has to go through these experiences alone. Reaching out for help, supporting one another and taking small steps to care for our mental health can make a real difference. Wildfires can be overwhelming, but together we can stay connected, stay prepared and support healing in the weeks and months ahead. If you or someone you know needs support, free resources are available to help anytime.

People affected by a wildfire who need help finding food, shelter, health care, emotional support or other services can also contact 211.