Roxane Cohen Silver, a professor at University of California, Irvine, notes that the California wildfires can lead to mental health consequences such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. She emphasizes the importance of social support, allowing those affected to take the lead in seeking help and sharing their feelings. Lauren Mott, a core faculty member at the University of Phoenix, suggests avoiding dismissive phrases like "It could have been worse" and instead offering concrete assistance such as inviting disaster survivors to stay at one's home or bringing them food. The Rev. John Shaver, who experienced personal and communal losses in the wildfires, is navigating his own grief while counseling others, highlighting the importance of self-care and seeking professional help when needed.
https://apnews.com/article/wildfires-disaster-trauma-coping-counseling-support-aa0557baf8d30354b630bc98e56200eaRoxane Cohen Silver, a professor of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine, notes that individuals exposed to collective disasters such as the California wildfires may experience mental health consequences including anxiety and depression. She emphasizes the importance of social support in this time, suggesting that those who want to provide help should let the affected person take the lead in sharing their feelings and needs. Silver recommends offering concrete assistance such as inviting survivors to stay at one's home or bringing them food, while also being available to listen. Lauren Mott, a core faculty member in the clinical mental health counseling program at the University of Phoenix, advises against phrases that can come across as dismissive, such as "It could have been worse," and instead suggests saying "I'm sorry you are going through this" or "How can I help?"
https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/wildfire/mental-health-surviving-disaster/509-0ca34bc7-1795-4ffb-b349-f2a1c18a7c16