West Kelowna Fire, Summer 2023
I have had quite a few messages from my clients asking if my dad, daughter and I are okay given the fires here in Kelowna. I wanted to let you know that we are safe. Unfortunately, we have had a view of the devastation from across the valley. Below you will see two pictures - the first picture is a view of the West Kelowna fires as seen from my sundeck. The next picture is the exact same view, only it was taken the next morning.
Preparing Ourselves for the Mental Health Impact of Climate-Related Crises.
I'm not going to lie because right now I am feeling pretty overwhelmed as I am sure you are too, with watching the news, talking to your family or friends here in the Okanagan, or, being evacuated.
When we witness natural disasters, even if they are not near our home, we may feel the uncomfortableness of distress or vulnerability. The media shows images and stories of disasters over and over, and this fuels ongoing anxiety and hypervigilance. It is important to view only reliable sources, to limit your news intake, and to reach out to others in need. The American Psychological Association offers these tips for managing distress related to wildfires:
Take frequent breaks from watching the news.
It is important to allow yourself to feel bad, cry, and release negative emotions in a healthy manner.
Be kind to yourself and the emotions you may be experiencing.
Find productive ways to help in your community by making donations or volunteering your time.
I felt guilty for just going to the grocery store! Remember - emotions such as this are normal and it's okay for feel "normal". As absurd and hard as it sounds, we can give ourselves permission to feel 'good.'
There will be blue skies again...
This is a picture of the first blue sky I have seen in a week. It is still very smokey on the Westside of the lake with a reported 93 homes lost, including a fire chief's and half his staff of firefighters. It is unfathomable what the evacuees have faced and will face in the coming days.
The fear I felt is beginning to dissipate. I am trying to slow everything down as I open the patio door and windows again. I recognize that my nervous system is starting to calm itself. Whether you face a wildfire, loss of a home or a loved on, please make sure you reach out to people in your inner circle to discuss what you are feeling
...and remember...there will be blue skies again...
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