Wildfires, hurricanes and other disasters can have significant mental health impacts. What do I need to know?

Natural and human-caused disasters are occurring more frequently in the US. Increases in extreme events such as wildfires, hurricanes, or floods; water contamination crises or oil spills; or incidents of mass violence or terrorism require everyone to be aware and prepared. This is especially true for people living with mental illness and their loved ones, where the consequences can be more significant.   

The following information will help you prepare for and navigate disasters if they should occur.  

Disasters and Mental Health

There is no right or wrong way to feel after an extreme event. It is common to experience emotions like fear, sadness, or anxiety and symptoms like insomnia, difficulty concentrating, or restlessness in the aftermath of extreme events. These are normal responses to abnormal events.  

It is important to note that humans are resilient; most people adjust over time after a disaster. The great majority of people who are directly affected by an extreme event recover well. Protective factors like social support, positive coping skills, and a sense of hope are linked with better outcomes after disasters.  

For some people with certain risk factors though, there is an increased risk of developing a mental illness after a disaster. Risk is higher for people who directly experience the disaster, especially if they have a significant injury or loss. Being separated from loved ones or having to leave home also increase a person’s risk for experiencing a post-disaster mental health condition.  

Research has shown that for some people, experiencing an extreme event may be a risk factor for developing certain mental health conditions. Exposure to wildfire disasters has been linked to long-lasting mental health effects, including elevated levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and substance use disorder.  Flooding and prolonged droughts have been associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, suicide, and post-traumatic stress disorders.  

Effects of Disasters on People with Serious Mental Illness

There is a growing body of research indicating that, following extremely stressful life events, people living with serious mental illness may be more likely to develop PTSD than people without serious mental illness. People with SMI who cope effectively in the immediate aftermath of an extreme event may also be more likely than people without SMI to develop post-traumatic symptoms in the future.  

If you or a loved one experiences post-traumatic symptoms, a worsening of symptoms of a primary psychiatric disorder, increased difficulties functioning, or increased substance use following an extreme event, you may wish to consider seeking professional help.  

Vulnerable Populations

People from historically minoritized communities, those who have lower socioeconomic status, women, and children may be more likely to experience greater disaster exposure or exposure to more disaster-related adversity. Research has found that these factors seem to increase the risk of behavioral health impacts or more severe behavioral health impacts after disaster.  

Make a Plan

People with serious mental illness may be at particular risk during and after disasters. Vital mental health services may be disrupted or relocated in the aftermath of a disaster. Some research suggests that people living with serious mental illness are less likely to have disaster supplies and an emergency communications plan. Isolation and fewer social supports may also prevent people with serious mental illness from learning about disaster warnings and resources.  

It’s essential to plan for your or a loved one’s mental health needs and know what you would do if services became limited or unavailable. Additional planning steps include: 

Have a plan for keeping yourself or a loved one safe during a wildfire or other disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes.  
Consider downloading the FEMA app to receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters in your area, prepare for common hazards and more. For more information, visit www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products
Prepare a “go bag” containing water, non-perishable food, and medications to have on hand in case of emergency.  
Consider packing comfort items in your “go bag”, like earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to reduce stimuli, or calming activities that don’t require electricity (e.g., playing cards, board games, fidget toys, books or coloring books). 
Create a support network of people who can help you or your loved one in a disaster; keep a contact list in a watertight container in your “go bag” or on your electronic devices.  
Write down details about your or your loved one’s diagnosis, medications, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs, allergies, and contact information for your or your loved one’s healthcare providers. Keep this information in a watertight container in your “go bag” or on your electronic devices. Include copies of insurance, Medicaid or Medicare cards. 
Many city and county emergency management agencies maintain voluntary registries for people with disabilities to self-identify to receive targeted assistance during emergencies and disasters. Contact your local emergency management office to find out more.  
If evacuation to a shelter becomes necessary, seek out a quiet corner away from noise and activity.
It’s OK to acknowledge the distress you and your loved one may be feeling; seek support from others and try to maintain a sense of hope.  
Check in; let important people in your life know you’re OK or check in with people who may need your support during natural disaster events.

Resources about preparing for and staying safe during disaster events:

Information about preparing for and staying safe in the event of a disaster may be found at www.ready.gov/disability.
To learn more about what disasters and hazards could affect your area, visit www.ready.gov/be-informed.
For help with emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or visit their webpage.
Visit Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) webpage for coping tips for traumatic events and disasters.
National Institutes of Health (NIH), the lead federal agency for research on mental health conditions, offers a fact sheet on self-care, including an overview of self-care, tips to get started, information about when to seek professional help and videos on managing stress and anxiety, that may be helpful for coping in the aftermath of a traumatic event.

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