The Mental-Health Toll of the California Wildfires Is Just Beginning.

The article focuses on the mental health challenges faced by survivors of the recent Southern California wildfires and outlines expert recommendations for coping and recovery. It highlights a significant increase in calls to national crisis support lines, such as the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the Crisis Text Line, with common emotions including fear, grief, and uncertainty. Experts emphasize the importance of seeking support from social networks or professionals, noting that while many will recover naturally, some may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) requiring therapy. Strategies for healing include maintaining routines, mindfulness, and cognitive techniques like self-advice in the third person, with immediate help available through crisis hotlines.