Forest Fires and Mental Health
written by Fran Westwood
Air quality measurements merely weeks ago showed Wellington County to be in the very high risk category. People woke up to grey skies one morning, and the next morning to a yellow canopy over every house, park, workplace, public space and place of worship. Recommendations were to limit time outdoors, especially for the vulnerable: the elderly, children and those living with certain health conditions. The impacts of forest fires and wildfire smoke are documented, even as the presence of such smoke feels unprecedented and concerning when it is witnessed up close. Although local skies have since cleared, recent news channels are flooded with reports of fires erupting in the interior of British Columbia, and of fires still burning in Northern Ontario leading to thousands of evacuations.
It makes sense if the impulse is to want to move on from our own smokey days and to keep attending to normal life. It also makes sense if, on some level, you notice ongoing distress around the news. A contained fire is often a sign of comfort, warmth and connection. Evidence of uncontained fire understandably can trigger fear, anger and sadness at those whose homes and health are most in danger, particularly the most vulnerable. The forests and creatures who live there are being impacted by the wildfires, as well as the intensity of the fears being connected to larger issues such as forest management, ecological degradation and climate change. It’s normal to experience helplessness in response to problems that are complex in origin and aren’t easy to solve.
Moreover, the immediate experience of such events is sobering. Many clients who walk through our doors reflect on the new normal for themselves and loved ones, a normal that means checking on those who might need to evacuate, scrambling to care for kids when outdoor options aren’t an option, or pivoting vacation plans in response to air quality and wildfire reports.
If the wildfires in Canada this summer have disturbed you, what are options to cope with such distressing events? It’s not easy when there are no simple answers, and when contributions to a better solution mean taking the long view. Slowing down and noticing your emotions, sharing with others and finding ways to take action are all fruitful ways to respond to events that are bigger than any one person, but that impact and are shaped by the collective. Remind yourself that caring about the collective is a sign of health, not weakness. And having categories for different responses is a key to understanding where others might be at and maintaining relationships. Concern and desire to do something different, and a desire to focus on what’s in your more immediate control in order to not be overwhelmed by these issues are both valid approaches.
As we all grapple with the forest fire season in Canada this year, know that there is no right or wrong way to experience this. Try sitting with yourself as you really are, and see what wants to happen next in you and through you.
