Wildfire Smoke and your Mental Health

Hey West Michigan feeling more stressed since the wildfire smoke arrived?

Just so you know, it’s normal to feel some heightened stress when wildfire smoke is in the air! Wildfire smoke does affect your mental health! Studies show it can worsen conditions like depression, anxiety and mood disorders.

If you think about it you are likely to be staying indoors more. You are limiting outside and physical activities. Plans you made might have to be canceled. You could be worried about how loved ones are doing too. Feel more isolated stuck indoors. Even deciding when to go out and how to protect yourself is burdensome too.

All this adds up. So, the longer the wildfire smoke sticks around the more important it is to take good care of your mental health!

Some stress signs to be on the lookout for

How stress shows up is unique for each one of us. It includes having feelings of worry, frustration, anger, or sadness. Experiencing a loss of appetite.

You might find yourself being very tired or have less energy. Have trouble concentrating or making decisions. Nightmares and trouble sleeping can happen too.

Also, headaches, upset stomach, and even skin rashes are possible to experience and any chronic health problems you have might get worse. You could find yourself using more alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs to cope with it all too.

In children you might notice clinginess, fears, or acting like a younger child. And behaving uncooperatively, or being irritable.

Some ways to take care of yourself

Be sure to eat healthy, stay hydrated, get enough sleep and exercise but only when and where its healthy to do so.

Do share your feelings and connect with family and friends. Make an extra effort to not stay isolated.

Give yourself time and permission to do things you enjoy and relax and unwind. It’s not easy experiencing that gray foggy smoky air outside.

Ask for help too! It’s ok to reach for therapy support if your distress is just too much.

Do contact me! Anxiety therapy and depression therapy will help you learn some additional coping skills!

JD’s Midlife Tools For Living Practices, Holland, MI
Offering Heartfelt care, Compassion and Coping Tools