As wildfires continue to ravage parts of California, the mental health implications for those affected are becoming increasingly apparent. Dr. Jyoti Mishra, an associate director of the UC Climate Change and Mental Health Council and associate professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, has firsthand experience with the stress that wildfires can bring.
While her own city is not currently facing wildfires, Dr. Mishra's family from Los Angeles has sought refuge in her home. The uncertainty surrounding the safety of their home in LA adds to the anxiety and stress that many individuals impacted by wildfires experience.
Research conducted by Dr. Mishra following the 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California revealed that individuals directly affected by wildfires were at a significantly higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress compared to those in unexposed communities. The cognitive impact of living in a constant state of threat can also be profound, making it difficult to focus on everyday tasks.
For the hundreds of thousands of people currently under evacuation orders or warnings due to the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area, the threat to their mental health is just as real as the physical danger they face. Dr. Mishra's studies have shown that the effects of wildfires on mental health can persist for months or even years after the fires have been extinguished.
As communities grapple with the immediate aftermath of wildfires, it is crucial to prioritize mental health support for those affected. By raising awareness of the long-lasting impact of wildfires on mental well-being, we can work towards providing the necessary resources and assistance to help individuals cope with the trauma and stress brought on by these natural disasters.
