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-f2a1c18a7c16Dr. Pura Jacobe Gaddi, a local doctor in the Philippines, has spoken out about the mental health challenges faced by medical professionals and volunteers responding to disasters. Despite their training and experience, doctors are not immune to trauma, compassion fatigue, and mental health problems, which can be exacerbated by the high-stress environment of disaster relief efforts.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/01/24/asia-pacific/society/disasters-compassion-fatigue/Rajasthan's Bhilwara district has been plagued by a series of suicides, prompting concerns about the state's mental health services. The local ambulance service is reportedly overwhelmed with patients seeking help for depression and anxiety. According to reports, the Chief of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Swami Chakrapani, attributed the statements made by Maharashtra politician Raut as being out of frustration, highlighting the desperation of those affected by the crisis.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/rajasthan-tragedy-woman-dies-after-ambulance-doors-jam-for-over-15-minutes-in-bhilwara-a475/According to a report by Mainichi Japan, since 1995, approximately 5,400 people in Japan have died from post-disaster fatigue and stress-related causes. This figure is likely related to the country's history of experiencing frequent natural disasters, such as the Noto Peninsula earthquake on New Year's Day in 2024, which prompted evacuations in areas like Suzu, Ishikawa Prefecture.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250118/p2g/00m/0na/007000c