Coping With Wildfire Anxiety-- Understanding Emotional Impact and Healing Strategies

Many are spotting the beloved Summerland/Peachland mountain goat herd-admiring their resilience

Wildfires in the Okanagan region bring more than just smoke and flames. They stir up deep feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty that can linger long after the fire is out and people return home. Facing evacuation orders, watching your community change overnight, and worrying about what comes next can weigh heavily. This blog explores the emotional impact of wildfires and offers simple, practical ways to cope with wildfire anxiety. It also explains when reaching out to a counsellor might be a helpful step towards recovery.

Above all, be kind to yourself and others

Understanding Wildfire Anxiety and Emotional Impact

Wildfires create a unique kind of stress. The threat to safety, the sudden need to evacuate, and the uncertainty about what will happen next can trigger intense emotions.

Some people experience:

• Anxiety and fear about personal safety and the safety of loved ones and furry companions.

• Stress from packing quickly, leaving behind belongings, and finding temporary shelter.

• Uncertainty about when or if they can return home and what condition their property will be in.

• Grief and loss if homes or cherished places are damaged or destroyed.

  
  

Even after returning home, these feelings don’t always diminish as expected. Some people find themselves on edge, have trouble sleeping, or feel overwhelmed by memories of the evacuation. This ongoing emotional impact is common and understandable.

Simple Strategies to Manage Wildfire Anxiety

When wildfire anxiety strikes, small steps can make a big difference.

Here are a few grounding and coping strategies that can help calm your mind and body:

Focus on Your Breath

Taking slow, deep breaths helps reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. Try this:

• Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of four.

• Hold your breath for a count of four.

• Exhale gently through your mouth for a count of six.

• Repeat several times until you feel calmer.

  
  

Create a Safe Space

Whether you are at home or in temporary housing, create a small area that feels comforting. This might include:

• A favorite blanket or pillow.

• Photos or mementos that bring peace.

• Soft lighting or calming scents like lavender.

  
  

Having a safe space can help your mind feel more grounded during stressful moments.

Stay Connected

Talking with friends, family, or neighbors can provide a way out of isolation.

Also consider whether or not it is helpful for you to hear trauma stories at this time.

Decide for yourself whether this provides comfort and a sense of safety, or whether it increases unwanted symptoms.

Limit Media Exposure

Watching wildfire news on repeat can increase anxiety. Try to check updates only once or twice a day from reliable sources. Focus on what you can control rather than what you cannot.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment without judgment.

Simple mindfulness exercises include:

• Noticing the sensations of your feet on the ground.

• Listening carefully to sounds around you.

• Observing your thoughts without trying to change them.

  
  

These practices can help you stay grounded when your mind feels overwhelmed.

Looking Forward:

When to Reach Out for Counselling Support

Wildfire anxiety affects everyone differently. Sometimes, the emotions, body sensations, and thoughts become too much to manage. You might consider talking to a counsellor if you:

• Experience persistent anxiety or panic attacks.

• Have trouble sleeping or eating.

• Feel numb, detached, or unable to enjoy activities you once liked.

• Struggle with anger, sadness, or hopelessness.

• Find it hard to manage daily tasks or responsibilities.

  
  

A fitting clinical therapist can provide a safe, confidential space to explore feelings and develop personalized coping strategies. They can also help you process trauma and rebuild a sense of safety and control.

EMDR recent events protocols (REP) can prevent acute trauma from consolidating into chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by processing distressing memories before they become "stuck" in the brain. "REP" can provide rapid symptom relief, limit trauma contagion, and build resilience. EMDR "REP" is one option that can be used up to 3 months post-event.

After this, there are other effective methods (standard EMDR/other EMDR protocols) which can be used to effectively treat symptoms.

Supporting Each Other in the Okanagan Community

The Okanagan (including Peachland, Summerland, Penticton, Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos, Vernon, West Kelowna, Kelowna and more) is a close-knit region where neighbors often come together in times of crisis. Supporting each other through wildfire anxiety can strengthen community bonds. Consider:

• Checking in on neighbors, especially seniors, anyone vulnerable, and those living alone.

• Sharing resources like practical resources, evacuation plans, emergency kits, and counselling contacts.

• Participating in positive community events.

  
  

Together, the community can heal and grow stronger after wildfire challenges.

Wildfires leave a mark on the land and on the hearts of those who live there. Recognizing the emotional impact and taking steps to care for your mental health can help you move forward with resilience. If anxiety feels overwhelming, reaching out for professional support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Take time to breathe, connect, and care for yourself and those around you. The Okanagan community stands with you through every step of recovery.

--

Melanie