The long-term mental health toll of wildfires and the danger if left untreated
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The California wildfires have left many immediately shaken, but experts say the toll on mental health can last longer than people realize. Symptoms of trauma may emerge within days of the event, weeks or even months, Dr. Sue Varma, psychiatrist and author of "Practical Optimism," said recently on "CBS Mornings Plus." It's not just the immediate news of the wildfire outbreak that caused shock and fear, the unknowns looming over many residents on whether their homes would be impacted also amplified anxiety.
AI Summary
Main Idea: Experts say wildfires can cause long-lasting mental health problems, and UCLA specialist Dr. David Eisenman warns that many people may go untreated as support fades over time.
Key Points:
- Trauma from wildfires can show up right away or months later, along with fear, grief, survivor’s guilt, and stress about the future.
- UCLA expert Dr. David Eisenman says mental health problems may hide behind physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, and a racing heart.
- Smoke and being stuck indoors can also add to harm, since smoke may affect the brain and people lose access to nature and normal routines.
- Doctors say people should seek help if they cannot function well for two weeks or more, and coping steps like limiting social media and volunteering may help.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
Wildfire smoke and loss can leave workers and families with anxiety, depression, and sleep problems that hurt work, health, and daily life.
Positive Impact
UCLA experts say early counseling, less doomscrolling, and community volunteering can help people cope and may reduce long-term harm.
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Candidate Entities4 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- Dr. David EisenmanpersonMajorAI selected
Named UCLA mental health expert whose warnings about long-term wildfire mental health effects are a central focus.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - University of California, Los Angeleseducational / research institutionMajorAI selected
Institutional affiliation of Dr. David Eisenman and a relevant research institution in the article’s mental health discussion.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelinenonprofit / NGOMinorCandidate
Named crisis support service cited as a resource for people in distress.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - National Alliance on Mental Illnessnonprofit / NGOMinorCandidate
Named nonprofit providing crisis and support resources at the end of the article.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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