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. Those facing devastation are overwhelmed with uncertainties of the future and feelings of loss, grieving their homes, memories, businesses and loved ones. And many who fared better are dealing with competing emotions like gratitude of survivor’s guilt along with grief.
Some may not even recognize they’re dealing with mental health problems, said Dr. David Eisenman, a mental health expert at UCLA who specializes in research related to public health and natural disasters.
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Read the full article by Sara Moniuszko and Tracy J. Wholf at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/long-term-mental-health-wildfires/
Photo by David Meyer