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Mental Health Resources for Coping with Natural Disasters
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) offers tips and other mental health resources on how to minimize possible mental and emotional effects of trauma caused by destruction and loss of life during and following the ongoing devastating California wild fires.
The devastating effects of natural disasters can have tremendous psychological impacts on those directly and indirectly. Affected individuals may have various stress reactions that present psychological, as well as physical symptoms. However, there are steps that individuals can take for themselves and their families to mitigate and lessen the psychosomatic impacts felt by the community at large and those volunteering.
After an event has passed, the APA recommends following these steps to begin coping with the possible devastation and stress that follows such a disaster:
- Keep informed about new information and developments, but avoid overexposure to news rebroadcasts of the events. Be sure to use credible information sources to avoid speculation and rumors.
- Take control of what you can. If possible, stay out of heavily damaged areas that will cause you unnecessary stress and anxiety.
- If you feel anxious, angry or depressed, you are not alone. Talk to friends, family or colleagues who likely are experiencing the same feelings.
- If you have contact with children, keep open dialogues with them regarding their fears of danger and the disaster. Let them know that in time, the tragedy will pass. Don’t minimize the danger, but talk about your ability to cope with tragedy and get through the ordeal.
- Feelings of anxiety and depression following a traumatic event are natural. If these symptoms continue, even after order has been restored, or if these feelings begin to overwhelm you, seek the advice of a psychiatric physician in your local community.
For additional information regarding storm related disasters, including hurricanes, visit APA’s Disaster Psychiatry Web site at http://www.psych.org/disasterpsych/.
Mental Health Resources
Talking to Children about Wildfires and other Natural Disasters:
"Let's Talk Facts"
The “Let’s Talk Facts” brochure series is designed to
promote
factual discussion of psychiatric disorders and treatments.
  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 
Depression
Anxiety Disorders 
Substance Abuse and Addiction 
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