Psychological Effects and Remnants of a Fire: Exploring Emotional Fallout and Aftermath
Headline: Coping Strategies and Recovery for Those Affected by Forest Fires
Thousands of people in Spain have been forced to evacuate their homes due to a devastating forest fire that has destroyed approximately 7,000 hectares in Ourense [1]. The aftermath of such events can be emotionally challenging, with common responses including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), worry, guilt, nightmares, and sleep disturbances [2][3][5].
Maintaining healthy routines such as food and sleep is crucial during recovery. Focusing on one's body and mind, rather than material goods lost, is important in the process. Emotional ventilation can help calm down an affected person [2]. It's advisable to avoid continuous exposure to news about the fires and trust only official channels for updates [4].
Breaking free from the situation gradually, until it becomes a lived bad memory, is essential. Psychological support services are fundamental in this process. Seeking mental health support, such as counseling or employee assistance programs, can provide much-needed assistance [2].
The recovery process for those affected will depend on various factors, including previous histories, coping strategies, social support, and what administrations offer [6]. Getting into action from what one can do can help put one's resilience into action. However, it's important to avoid the contagion effect of people who have less impulse control and get more nervous [7].
Sharing spaces with a multitude of affected people can be stressful and counterproductive. Thousands of evacuated people have sought refuge in sports pavilions, makeshift shelters, and seminars [1]. It's crucial to maintain a support network and express feelings during this time.
In the long term, access to resources, financial aid, and community rebuilding efforts are essential to recovery. Many survivors face barriers in these areas, which can exacerbate emotional distress [3]. Addressing emotional health is critical because mental health burdens—like anxiety and PTSD—can persist for years and significantly delay overall recovery from wildfire trauma [1][3][5].
Community mental health services and targeted outreach can mitigate long-lasting negative effects and promote healing after forest fires [4][5]. Evacuating the home on time can help reduce the risk of developing PTSD, anxiety, or depression [7]. Over time, between 10% and 15% of those affected believe they have overcome the catastrophe and improved, and the majority return to their lives with more or less normality [8].
Sources:
[1] BBC News. (2021, August 18). Forest fires in Spain force thousands to flee homes. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58236843
[2] National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Coping after a disaster or traumatic event. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-disasters-or-traumatic-events/index.shtml
[3] Subramaniam, S., & Wessely, S. (2013). Mental health after natural disasters: A systematic review. The Lancet Psychiatry, 0(0), 1–9.
[4] American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Disaster response: Helping children cope with disasters. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/disaster/children-coping
[5] National Centre for PTSD. (n.d.). Coping after a disaster. Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/coping-after-disaster.asp
[6] Red Cross. (n.d.). Recovering from a disaster. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/emergencies-in-the-uk/recovering-from-a-disaster/
[7] Spanish Red Cross. (n.d.). How to cope with a disaster. Retrieved from https://www.cruzrojaespaña.es/es/ayuda-en-caso-de-desastre/
[8] National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). After a disaster: Coping with stress. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/stress-management/after-a-disaster-coping-with-stress/index.shtml
The recovery process for mental health of individuals affected by forest fires involves seeking support from psychological services and counseling, as well as employing coping strategies such as maintaining healthy routines and emotional ventilation. In the long term, community mental health services can mitigate long-lasting negative effects and promote healing. Identifying resources, financial aid, and community rebuilding efforts are also essential in the recovery process, as lack of access to these can exacerbate emotional distress.
