Wildfires, like the ones sweeping through California right now, bring chaos, fear, and uncertainty. If youโre already dealing with mental health struggles, this can feel like too much to bear. But hereโs the thingโif youโve faced hard times before, you might be better prepared than you realize.
When It Feels Like Too Much
Disasters like this can bring up a flood of emotions: panic, helplessness, or even just feeling completely numb. If youโre finding it hard to cope, youโre not alone. Those of us whoโve dealt with mental health challenges often feel things more deeplyโand in moments like this, that can be both a burden and a gift.
You Already Know How to Handle Hard Times
Think back to the hardest moments youโve faced. Maybe it was an anxiety spiral that felt never-ending or days when depression made it hard to get out of bed. You survived that. You found ways to keep going, even when it felt impossible. Those same skillsโtaking things one step at a time, asking for help when you need it, and knowing itโs okay not to be okayโare what will get you through this, too.
What Can You Do Right Now?
When everything feels overwhelming, focus on the small things that help you feel more steady:
Pause and Breathe: Even just a few deep breaths can calm your body and mind.
Stick to Something Familiar: Whether itโs your morning coffee, journaling, or listening to music, little routines can bring comfort when the world feels chaotic.
Set Boundaries with News: Staying informed is important, but itโs okay to turn off the news when itโs too much. Focus on whatโs directly in front of you.
Let Yourself Feel: If youโre scared, sad, or angry, thatโs okay. Donโt push those feelings awayโlet them come and go.
Helping Others Can Help You, Too
If youโre in a place where you can, think about reaching out to someone else. Send a text to check on a friend, lend a hand to a neighbor, or just be there to listen. Helping others doesnโt have to be bigโitโs the little moments of connection that can make a difference.
Youโre Not Alone in This
No matter how heavy this feels, remember that youโre not going through it alone. There are people who care about you and want to help, whether thatโs friends, family, or mental health professionals. Asking for support isnโt a weaknessโitโs what makes us human.
Youโve already survived so much in life. Youโve got strength in you, even if it feels far away right now. This is hard, and itโs okay to feel like itโs too much sometimes. Just donโt forget: youโve been through tough times before, and youโll get through this, too.
Take it one moment at a time. And remember, youโre not alone.
