Wildfires, like the ones sweeping through California right now, bring chaos, fear, and uncertainty. If you’re already dealing with mental health struggles, this can feel like too much to bear. But here’s the thing—if you’ve 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 you’re finding it hard to cope, you’re not alone. Those of us who’ve dealt with mental health challenges often feel things more deeply—and 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 you’ve 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 skills—taking things one step at a time, asking for help when you need it, and knowing it’s okay not to be okay—are 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 it’s 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 it’s okay to turn off the news when it’s too much. Focus on what’s directly in front of you.

Let Yourself Feel: If you’re scared, sad, or angry, that’s okay. Don’t push those feelings away—let them come and go.

Helping Others Can Help You, Too

If you’re 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 doesn’t have to be big—it’s the little moments of connection that can make a difference.

You’re Not Alone in This

No matter how heavy this feels, remember that you’re not going through it alone. There are people who care about you and want to help, whether that’s friends, family, or mental health professionals. Asking for support isn’t a weakness—it’s what makes us human.

You’ve already survived so much in life. You’ve got strength in you, even if it feels far away right now. This is hard, and it’s okay to feel like it’s too much sometimes. Just don’t forget: you’ve been through tough times before, and you’ll get through this, too.

Take it one moment at a time. And remember, you’re not alone.