By Sonoma County Gazette, October 22, 2019
As we reach the second anniversary of the 2017 wildfires, the triggers for those impacted have become more visible: reconstruction challenges, the Camp Fires in Butte County or just a windy night are a few examples. Mental health recovery and resiliency are more important than ever.
Our community is really starting to see the long-term effects of wildfire trauma and PTSD on the mental health of our employees, neighbors and customers. Prolonged stress takes its toll on physical and emotional well-being. Some residents sought immediate help after the fires from stress, anxiety or depression with mental health professionals. Other residents are just now realizing that stress, anxiety or depression are setting in and that they might need help.
The Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County, through the Wildfire Mental Health Collaborative, offers free help for those recovering from the devastating fires of 2017. The Collaborative’s goal is to ensure that Sonoma County residents learn to recognize the signs of mental health distress and have access to resources and services for personal recovery, as well as long-term healing and resiliency skill building. Working with mental health experts from local and national associations, as well as a network of clinics and nonprofits, the Collaborative has put together a county-wide approach to healing that includes evidence-based methods.
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