Smoke, evacuations, loss, worry—BC’s wildfires affect us all. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you are not alone. Here are some things you can do:
- Connect with CMHA – Reach out to your local CMHA branch. Many branches offer services to help you take care and feel less alone.
- Prepare – Having a clear emergency plan and kit ready for your family, pets, and livestock can ease your mind and allow you to focus on other needs.
- Take care – Stress takes a toll on our physical and mental health. Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep lowers stress and helps us cope.
- Ask for help – Talking helps. Whether it’s with family, friends, a doctor or counsellor. Crisis lines are available to listen and help anytime—not just during a crisis. If you have been evacuated, you can also ask an Emergency Support Services volunteer about the mental health or counselling support available to you.
- Help others – Reach out to the vulnerable. Assisting others can help us regain a sense of purpose and community as we confront challenges together.
Helpful links and resources
Preparing for wildfires
- Get prepared for a wildfire in BC (Government of BC)
Health and mental health resources
- Emergencies are stressful: What to expect and what can help
- Coping with an environmental emergency – mental health tips for you and your family
- Recognizing and addressing trauma and anxiety during wildfire season (First Nations Health Authority)
- Recognizing and resolving trauma in children during disasters (First Nations Health Authority)
- Disaster emotional response timeline – what to expect before, during and after a disaster
- Your health during a wildfire (Government of BC)
- Wildfire smoke and health (BC Centre for Disease Control)
- Guidebook for Well-being in Recovery (Red Cross)
- Mental health toolkit for emergencies and disasters (Canadian Emergency Response Psychosocial Support Network)
Direct help for support
- Free, confidential support and crisis lines available 24/7:
- BC Mental Health Support Line 310-6789 (no area code required)
- KUU-US Indigenous line 1-800-588-8717
- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
- Find virtual mental health supports available in BC
- BounceBack – a free skill-building program for overcoming low mood, anxiety stress or worry
- Find your local Canadian Mental Health Association