Lately, it has been hard not to notice our air filled with wildfire smoke, serving as a constant reminder that fires and other extreme weather events are out there and could happen in our area at any time. When extreme weather events like wildfires and wildfire smoke surround us, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with information and feelings of anxiety, leading to higher-than-normal levels of stress. Know that you are not alone; it's normal to feel stress and anxiety during these times. The cumulative effects of experiencing extreme weather events year after year can have a lasting impact on your mental health.
For many, the first signs of wildfire smoke or extremely heavy rains can trigger memories of past experiences with wildfires and flooding, instantly causing anxiety. Even in milder years, it can be difficult to escape the stress and anxiety brought on by previous years. This can make it hard to focus on anything else and can start to affect not only our mental well-being but our physical health as well.
We have put together a list of ways to help you manage the stress and anxiety you may be feeling as extreme weather events become more common and as wildfire season begins to ramp up.
Be prepared: Having a plan in place might seem like a small detail, but it can be the most beneficial for being ready for an evacuation or an evacuation alert. If you have a plan, you will be able to rest easy knowing that if or when the time comes to evacuate, you are ready and can follow your plan to safety. Having this plan in place for yourself, your pets, and your livestock will save precious time during an evacuation. Preparing your plan long before the threat arrives will also lessen your anxiety and stress. It will give you time to walk through your plan, identify areas for improvement, and ensure your emergency kits are stocked and ready to go.
Reach out to CMHA: Reach out to your local CMHA Branch. Many branches can offer resources and information on how to feel less anxious during wildfire season.
Take breaks from social media: During extreme events such as wildfires and flooding, social media can become flooded with videos and posts about the disasters. This can lead to a sense of panic, as these posts often only show the worst parts of the situation and not the whole story. Taking a break from social media posts and videos can give your mind a chance to calm down and process the situation. It's also important to avoid becoming too obsessed with the information you see online. While it's natural to want to stay up to date and know exactly what's happening, becoming consumed by this information can be detrimental. It's important to rely on trusted sources for accurate information.
Take care of yourself: During times of high stress, such as extreme weather events, it is important to remember to take care of yourself. Being under copious amounts of stress can negatively affect your mental and physical health. It's important to try and get a good night's rest, eat well, and stay physically active; these will all help in lowering your stress levels.
Do things to keep your mind busy: If you find yourself spending too much time stressing over extreme weather events in your area and it's beginning to consume your day, try engaging in activities that can help distract you. Reading a book, cleaning, or watching a TV program are all great ways to refocus your mind and prevent it from dwelling on the events happening around you.
Reach out to others: Reaching out to elderly or vulnerable individuals during times of high stress can help ease their fears. By providing them with trustworthy and important information, you can help reduce their anxiety and stress. This support can make a significant difference in helping them feel more secure and less overwhelmed.
The South Cariboo is an amazing place to live, with beautiful lakes, endless dirt roads to explore, and stunning scenery. However, it can also be stressful during extreme weather events such as wildfires. Don't let these times deter you from enjoying life. By being prepared and mindful of the tips above, you can continue to enjoy all that the Cariboo has to offer.
Remember to be kind to yourself, practice self-care, and reach out for help if you need it.
If you need support, you can:
Contact CMHA South Cariboo for mental health support at 250-395-4883. The office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call the Emergency Crisis Line 24 hours a day at 1-888-353-2273.
Call the Suicide Crisis Line at 9-8-8. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
