Study Shows Wildfires Have Significant Impact on Mental Health, Urges Public Health Officials to Prioritize Care
As wildfires continue to ravage the Texas Panhandle, public health officials are being urged to prioritize mental health care for affected residents. While wildfires pose an obvious direct threat to physical health, a recent study has found that they also have a significant impact on mental well-being.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 7 million people who lived close to large wildfires in California between 2011 and 2018. The researchers discovered a statistically significant increase in orders for medication to manage mental health during periods when wildfires were in the area. These medications included antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anxiety-reducing drugs.
Interestingly, there was no increase in prescriptions for anti-psychotics or hypnotics. The study also revealed that a higher number of the increased prescriptions were for women and older adults. To ensure that the trends were related to genuine need rather than a surge in medication pick-ups, the researchers compared the data with prescriptions for statins, medications that help with heart health. They found no increase in statin prescriptions during periods of wildfires.
It is important to note that this study has some limitations. It relied on records from commercial claims data, meaning it could only track trends among people with insurance. Rural areas, which often have more exposure to wildfires, are typically underserved when it comes to mental health care. Therefore, the actual need for mental health treatment after wildfires may be even higher than what the prescription data suggests.
Previous research has also shown that exposure to higher concentrations of particle pollution or soot, which are produced by wildfires, can lead to higher risks of anxiety and depression. Dr. Jyoti Mishra, co-director of the UC Climate Change and Mental Health Initiative, explains that this latest study is significant because it corroborates the distress experienced by individuals in the context of wildfires. Her own study in 2023 found that residents near the Camp Fire in California had increased mental health problems, some of which became chronic.
While it is common for individuals to experience shock, depression, or a sense of hopelessness after losing their homes or loved ones, research has shown that wildfires can increase the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep problems even in individuals who haven’t previously been treated for mental health issues. Exposure to wildfires has also been associated with an increase in alcohol and substance use disorders, as well as anxiety and depression.
With the climate crisis expected to expose more adults and children to wildfires, the authors of the study are urging public health officials to prioritize mental health care for those affected. They emphasize the importance of ensuring access to mental health services and programs that promote resilience before, during, and after these disasters. While immediate access to mental health care is crucial, studies have shown that communities may require support for years after a wildfire. Mental health issues can persist as long-term trauma and must be addressed seriously.
As the Texas Panhandle continues to battle the devastating effects of wildfires, it is imperative that public health officials recognize the significant impact on mental health. By prioritizing mental health care and providing necessary support, communities can begin to heal and rebuild in the face of these natural disasters.
