Surviving the Aftermath: Emotional Recovery from the LA Fires

More than a month has passed since the devastating LA Fires tore through our communities, leaving behind a landscape of loss and change. The cleanup phase has begun for some, but not for the majority of survivors.

In my practice, I have sat with families who've lost homes, local businesses that have seen their dreams turn to ashes, and individuals grappling with the stark reality of starting over. This update builds on our previous discussion about the immediate aftermath of the fires, now focusing on the current phase of the emotional and logistical journey that tens of thousands of our fellow citizens are experiencing – disillusionment mixed with adjusting to the new normal of their lives.

As we navigate these turbulent times, it's important to remember that you are a normal person experiencing normal reactions to an incredibly abnormal event.

The path through disaster recovery is not linear but a series of stages that individuals may move in and out of, sometimes revisiting emotions or stages multiple times.  These stages frequently overlap. There is no “right way” to experience them. 

Common Themes of Survivors

While working with survivors, both my colleagues and I have heard a number of common themes, and I thought to present them here to see if you or someone you know might be experiencing any or all of the following:

“I still can’t believe that we lost our home.”

“We just found out that we are underinsured and may be unable to rebuild.”

“Our family had two homes in the area in addition to ours, and it was wonderful that we could live so close to each other. All our homes are now gone. Will we be able to afford to live that close again?”

“We live in a community in LA that became a refuge from the racial segregation of life in the South. It’s not just our homes that we lost. We lost our ability to just see our neighbors like we did for 60-70 years that this community has been around. We felt secure. Now what?”

“Our kid’s school was lost in the fire. Other schools have helped out and are providing some space for our children, but several of the families we socialized with from school have moved away and have decided that they are not coming back. And now our daughter is devasted at the loss of our home and the loss of her best friends.”

“I can’t sleep. I keep having these dreams about escaping the fire with literally just the clothes on my back. When are the nightmares going to stop?”

“My wife passed away last year. I was living alone in the home where we raised our family.  Now she is gone. My children do not live close, and now I’ve lost our small but ‘forever home.’  I can’t even see my neighbors because their homes are gone too.  I feel so lonely.”

“I am exhausted. My husband is exhausted. We are pretty resilient, but how do we take care of our kids and ourselves right now? It is all so overwhelming.”

All of the above are common themes that my colleagues and I are hearing. It might help to understand that they represent much of the disillusionment phase of the emotional response to a disaster of this magnitude. There is a path to recovery, and it goes through the following stages. Every person’s journey is unique. 

Understanding the Emotional Stages of Disaster Recovery

Impact Stage

This stage happens during a disaster. Shock, confusion, and intense fear dominate. This initial response varies widely among individuals, influenced significantly by personal coping mechanisms and the direct impact of the disaster. The sudden chaos can create a sense of surreal disorientation as the familiar becomes unrecognizable.

Heroic Stage

In the immediate aftermath, a burst of adrenaline fuels a phase of heroic actions. Individuals and communities come together with remarkable courage and selflessness. This was vividly displayed in the aftermath of the fires, as the LA community united to support those affected, showcasing the resilience and solidarity that define our city.

Honeymoon Phase

A brief period of optimism ensues from a few days to weeks after, characterized by strong community bonding and the hope that recovery will be swift. Support from various relief efforts reinforces this sense of temporary uplift. However, this emotional high is often short-lived as the reality of the long recovery process sets in.

Disillusionment Phase

As the honeymoon phase begins to wane, frustration, anger, feeling overwhelmed, and exhaustion become more pronounced. The possibility that the fires may have been man-made, coupled with challenges such as insurance disputes or policy cancellations just before the fires, fuels a profound disillusionment. It is one of the most painful aspects of a disaster.

This phase can be prolonged, marked by ongoing struggles with the slow pace of recovery and feelings of abandonment by larger support networks. Aspects of this phase may last months and, for many survivors, for years. 

It is also the prelude to reconstructing our lives and establishing the new normal of our lives. 

This disillusionment phase is a transitional phase.

Reconstruction/Recovery Phase

Ultimately, survivors enter a phase of acceptance and reconstruction. This stage involves adapting to a new normal, rebuilding structures, and re-establishing lives. It's a time for testing resilience and fostering personal growth, though the emotional scars may linger for some, if not all. Efforts focus on establishing new routines, healing from the trauma, and a gradual return to a semblance of pre-disaster life for many.

Understanding Common Signs and Symptoms of Trauma

Experiencing a disaster like the recent LA fires can elicit a wide range of responses, all of which are normal reactions to an exceptionally abnormal situation. It's important to recognize these signs and symptoms not as indications that something is wrong with you, but as normal responses your body and mind have to abnormal stress. Here are some common reactions grouped into physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual categories:

Physical Symptoms:

●      Changes in sleep patterns: This may include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares.

●      Headaches, nausea, and dizziness: These can occur as your body responds to stress.

●      Fatigue or hyperarousal: Feeling unusually tired or, conversely, wound up are both common as your body reacts to emotional distress.

●      Appetite changes: You may lose your appetite, while others might eat more than usual.

Cognitive Symptoms:

●      Difficulty concentrating: You might find it hard to focus or complete tasks.

●      Intrusive thoughts: Recurrent and involuntary memories of the event can disrupt your daily life.

●      Disorientation: Feeling confused about time or place or difficulty making decisions.

●      Memory problems: This includes forgetfulness and difficulty remembering aspects of the event.

Emotional Symptoms:

●      Anxiety and sadness: These feelings can be overwhelming and may come in waves.  Feeling lonely even if surrounded by people you love and who love you.

●      Irritability or mood swings: Emotional responses might be unpredictable or intense.

●      Feelings of guilt or helplessness: These often stem from thoughts about the disaster or its aftermath.

●      Numbness or emotional detachment: Sometimes, you might feel disconnected from your emotions or surroundings.

Behavioral Symptoms:

●      Withdrawal from social activities: Pulling away from friends and family is common.

●      Increased consumption of alcohol or use of substances: Some may use these as a coping mechanism.

●      Changes in activity levels: This might include a lack of energy to engage in usual activities or an overdrive mode where you can't stop moving or doing.

●      Restlessness or agitation: Feeling like you can’t settle down or relax.

Spiritual Symptoms:

●      Questioning beliefs: Some may find themselves doubting their faith or belief systems.

●      Seeking meaning or purpose: A quest to understand why the disaster happened or reassessing life’s priorities.

●      Renewed faith or spiritual crisis: Depending on personal coping mechanisms, individuals might turn towards their faith for comfort, or feel a sense of loss.

As we continue to navigate the aftermath of the recent LA fires, it's vital to remember that recovery is not just about rebuilding our physical surroundings but also about healing the emotional wounds inflicted by such events. The journey through the emotional stages of disaster recovery can be complex and challenging, yet resilience emerges with the right support and resources.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the emotional aftermath of the fires, please remember that it's not just about rebuilding places, but also healing people. The feelings you're experiencing are normal reactions to an extraordinary and distressing situation. It's okay and a healthy sign to admit you're not okay, and you might want some help navigating all of this.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the current events or their aftermath, remember you are not alone. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help determine the best path forward for your specific circumstances. Together, we can explore effective coping strategies and ensure you have the support you need during this challenging time. For further assistance, additional resources are available on my LA Critical Incident Response website, including guidance on how to help children cope during and after a disaster.

One particular guide that you may find useful is 'Common Reactions to a Critical Incident’ (you can download it by clicking the link), which includes information from this post, as well as Self-Care Things to Try. Let's support each other and ensure no one faces these challenges alone. Remember, recovery involves both rebuilding what was lost and nurturing our community back to strength.