The psychological toll of California’s catastrophic fires

As wildfires devastate California, the impact extends far beyond scorched landscapes and lost homes, reaching deep into the mental well-being of survivors. This Axios article, featuring Dr. Jeff Katzman, Director of the Silver Hill Academy for Research and Education (SHARE), explores the emotional and psychological aftermath of such tragedies, from the collective grief of losing generational roots to the challenges of processing overwhelming information shared on social media.
Dr. Jeff Katzman shares how practicalities often take precedence over grief in the immediate aftermath, offering a temporary shield but delaying the healing process. He also highlights the rising tide of “solastalgia,” a chronic distress caused by witnessing environmental destruction in one’s home.