**Rebuilding Resilience: Survivors of Wildfires Speak Out, Calling for More Mental Health Support**
Escaping not one, but two wildfires in eight years, Helen Malone-Babineau is no stranger to the trauma left in the wake of these devastating natural disasters. Now, she finds herself starting over in Halifax, determined to carve out a new, safer path for herself. Surrounded by boxes waiting to be unpacked, she reflects on her harrowing experiences in Fort McMurray and Yellowknife, where one road out meant limited escape routes.
In the aftermath of the wildfires, Malone-Babineau sought therapy to cope with the lingering stress triggered by the smell of smoke or news of another wildfire on social media. A sentiment echoed by many survivors is the lack of adequate mental health support for evacuees in the long term. Malone-Babineau yearns for a system where officials proactively reach out to offer reassurance and guidance during such challenging times.
A recent study published in the Lancet Planetary Journal sheds light on the alarming mental health toll wildfires can have on adults, with up to 60% potentially experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder months after the fires. This, coupled with potential major depressive or anxiety disorders, underscores the urgent need for ongoing mental health assistance for survivors.
Dr. Courtney Howard, an emergency room physician in Yellowknife and co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of continuous mental health check-ins for evacuees and broader population-level support. The study suggests that simple gestures, like public health officials reaching out and engaging with evacuees, can make a significant difference in the recovery process.
With a record-breaking number of wildfires scorching over 17 million hectares in Canada last year, and over 4,200 fires reported this year, the urgency to address mental health impacts has never been clearer. Evacuees like Chris Erickson, who lost his home in West Kelowna, stress the importance of prioritizing mental well-being amid the chaos of insurance claims and uncertainty.
Psychologist Claire Sira advocates for government programs offering extended therapy sessions tailored to those suffering from PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The need for longer-term mental health support is crucial in preventing long-lasting consequences for evacuees as they navigate the road to recovery.
Dr. Nicholas Mitchell of Alberta Health Services urges evacuees to reach out for available resources, both online and in person, emphasizing the importance of awareness and accessibility. Effective communication and proactive
Escaping not one, but two wildfires in eight years, Helen Malone-Babineau is no stranger to the trauma left in the wake of these devastating natural disasters. Now, she finds herself starting over in Halifax, determined to carve out a new, safer path for herself. Surrounded by boxes waiting to be unpacked, she reflects on her harrowing experiences in Fort McMurray and Yellowknife, where one road out meant limited escape routes.
In the aftermath of the wildfires, Malone-Babineau sought therapy to cope with the lingering stress triggered by the smell of smoke or news of another wildfire on social media. A sentiment echoed by many survivors is the lack of adequate mental health support for evacuees in the long term. Malone-Babineau yearns for a system where officials proactively reach out to offer reassurance and guidance during such challenging times.
A recent study published in the Lancet Planetary Journal sheds light on the alarming mental health toll wildfires can have on adults, with up to 60% potentially experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder months after the fires. This, coupled with potential major depressive or anxiety disorders, underscores the urgent need for ongoing mental health assistance for survivors.
Dr. Courtney Howard, an emergency room physician in Yellowknife and co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of continuous mental health check-ins for evacuees and broader population-level support. The study suggests that simple gestures, like public health officials reaching out and engaging with evacuees, can make a significant difference in the recovery process.
With a record-breaking number of wildfires scorching over 17 million hectares in Canada last year, and over 4,200 fires reported this year, the urgency to address mental health impacts has never been clearer. Evacuees like Chris Erickson, who lost his home in West Kelowna, stress the importance of prioritizing mental well-being amid the chaos of insurance claims and uncertainty.
Psychologist Claire Sira advocates for government programs offering extended therapy sessions tailored to those suffering from PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The need for longer-term mental health support is crucial in preventing long-lasting consequences for evacuees as they navigate the road to recovery.
Dr. Nicholas Mitchell of Alberta Health Services urges evacuees to reach out for available resources, both online and in person, emphasizing the importance of awareness and accessibility. Effective communication and proactive
