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Feel exhausted, overwhelmed or depressed after the fire? - Fallbrook residents likely to feel psychological aftermath

The aftermath of a natural disaster can cause personal and psychological upheaval, leaving the members of a community in a state of anxiety and shock. The Fallbrook (Rice Canyon) Fire has undoubtedly induced mental strain and many are asking themselves and others if this is normal.

“Thankfully, the vast majority of those who have lost their homes, and even those who haven’t, will not develop any serious psychiatric disorder,” said Dr. Timothy Murphy, a psychiatrist who is based in Fallbrook.

People may experience a variety of emotional symptoms that are considered normal for the firestorm event, said Murphy. This varies on an individual’s personality and the impact he/she suffered, depending on whether they lost a home and/or knew of someone who lost a home to the Rice Canyon Fire. The stress of the mandatory evacuation is also a significant factor.

“Those who have lost their homes will feel stunned, overwhelmed and have a sense of helplessness,” said Murphy. “The first time a person sees their home in ashes it seems unreal.”

The anxiety they will feel may present itself in thoughts such as “What will this mean to me?” “How will this change my life?” and “Will I be able to go on?”

When people lose a home, they experience a great deal of sadness and grief, said Murphy. “Even if there was time to evacuate properly, there are so many things we couldn’t remove from our homes that are gone. Like losing anything, there is a grief reaction.”

Some people who lost a home may experience depression but most will not, he feels.

People who lost pets in the fire may experience additional emotionally difficulty.

For those who have not lost anything but have been distinctly affected by the fire and evacuation, Murphy believes it has the potential to shake up an individual’s security in life. It’s a realization that the safety of our home and belongings can be taken away in an instant by a natural disaster, he said.

“We have very little control,” Murphy emphasized.

When we drive around the burn areas, explained Murphy, we see the capriciousness of the firestorm. As an example, a few homes will be unscathed and one will be burnt down to the concrete slab.

“The randomness is frightening,” said Murphy. Even if there is good brush clearance, there is no absolute form of protection, he said. “That’s pretty unnerving.”

Some individuals who have fared the firestorm might be anxious, have difficulty sleeping or find themselves troubled by the lingering smell of smoke in the air. Whatever the community experiences, it will most likely be time-limited, assured Murphy.

Likewise, feeling tired is normal. “Most of us haven’t slept real well over the last week; we are not sleeping well and we are drained,” he said. “These symptoms will go away.”

For those individuals who have anxiety symptoms that do not subside in the next week or two, Murphy suggests seeking professional treatment.

“If people aren’t able to function, can’t go back to work, are not making the phone calls they need to make following the aftermath, are not sleeping or are isolating themselves, these may be indications of a more serious emotional disorder,” he said. “But most people will be fine.”

Dr. Murphy explained that the love of family and friends and the support of the community, churches and spiritual beliefs will help fire victims move forward.

Eventually, people who have lost their homes will come to the realization that their lives will continue. It will take time to rebuild, but they will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“The vast majority of people in Fallbrook will do fine,” said Murphy.

However, for those who did not endure the loss of a home, Murphy reminds the community how they should remember the victims of the fire in the months to come.

“It’s important that we not forget about them, because they may still be struggling to rebuild their lives,” he said. “We have to keep [fire victims] in our thoughts well into 2008.”

The Red Cross and FEMA can also assist individuals in need of help and a free support group is being offered by Palomar Family Counseling Service to assist families with children who have emotional issues as a result of the fire.

There is no fee for the support group and groups will be offered in both English and Spanish.

For more information call the Fallbrook office at (760) 731-3235 or the Escondido office at (760) 741-2660.

 

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