OPINION - By Don Amador - 1/13/25
Post Wildfire Traumatic Stress Disorder
Besides sending donations to organizations that are
providing relief services to victims of the ongoing LA wildfires there is not
much that I can do to provide immediate in-person assistance to those suffering
tragic losses.
I have spent most of my personal life and professional career recreating and working on public lands in Northern California
impacted by the 450,000 acre 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire and the 1 million acre+
2020 August Complex Fire and 2021 Dixie Fire.
The American Psychological Association (APA) states that
trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or
natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical.
Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained
relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.
APA goes on to say that accidents or wildfires are
typically unexpected, sudden and overwhelming. For many people, there are no
outwardly visible signs of physical injury, but there can be nonetheless an
emotional toll. As we are seeing, it is common for people who have experienced
disaster to have strong emotional reactions.
Health professionals at the Mayo Clinic state that Post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a
terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include
flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts
about the event.
The Mayo Clinic also states that most people who go
through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping,
but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get
worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day
functioning, you may have PTSD.
As the LA Firestorm continues, it is important for us to
exercise patience until firefighters and other 1st responders
complete their assignments and understand they may be in some stage of a Post
Wildfire Traumatic Stress Disorder (PWTSD).
Also, it is important for family members and friends that
are outside of the burn area to understand that they too might be suffering
from PWTSD.
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Don Amador has been in the trail advocacy and recreation management profession for over 33 years. Don is President of Quiet Warrior Racing LLC. Don serves as the Western States Representative for the Motorcycle Industry Council. Don is Past President/CEO and current board member of the Post Wildfire OHV Recovery Alliance. . Don is a Co-Founder and current Core-Team member on FireScape Mendocino. Don writes from his home in Cottonwood, CA. Don may be reached via email - damador@cwo.com