Extreme Weather Events and Trauma
It is now obvious that the weather patterns in BC are changing. Summers have become longer, with more intense heat. Year round our weather patterns are now more unpredictable, and more dangerous. In 2021, extreme heat reached temperatures of over 45°C resulting in over 600 heat related deaths. Following the heat, severe wildfires caused a two month long state of emergency. That fall, the heat and drought resulted in significant flooding and landslides once the rainy season hit, causing the southwest corner of BC to be cut off from the rest of the country, impacting deliveries of resources and supplies.
Defining Extreme Weather Events in BC
Extreme weather events are defined as unusually severe weather or climate conditions that have the potential to cause devastating impacts on communities, agriculture, and natural ecosystems. These can include extreme cold or heat, downpours, tropical cyclones, or floods, or tornadoes. In order to be considered an extreme event, the probability of the event occurring must be low, and the event must be outside of the normal threshold for weather in that area at that time of year. In Canada, in 2023 over 250,000 were severely impacted by extreme weather events, and over 90% of alert warnings were related to wildfires or other weather hazards.
Understanding Trauma
Any event that causes physical, emotional, spiritual or psychological harm can be considered traumatic. Natural disasters are included in the list of events one can experience that could result in trauma. While an event may be traumatic, not everyone experiencing the event will be traumatized, or develop symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Those already experiencing heavy stress, who have recently suffered loss or been traumatized before are more likely to be traumatized by a natural disaster. In addition, increased helplessness or fright increases the risk of trauma. Being bombarded by images on social media and mainstream news outlets can also cause our nervous systems to be overwhelmed leaving us feeling traumatic stress.
Psychological Effects of Extreme Weather Events
There are a few key warning signs to watch for after experiencing an extreme weather event that may indicate trauma including:
Shock, denial, or disbelief
Confusion, difficulty concentrating
Anger, irritability, mood swings
Anxiety and fear
Guilt, shame and self blame
Social withdrawal or isolation
Feelings of hopelessness or sadness
Feeling disconnected or numb
Experiencing symptoms like these for a prolonged period of time could be an indicator that someone is suffering from PTSD. Feeling emotional following a disturbing event is normal, where it becomes traumatic is if your nervous system feels like it has gotten ‘stuck’ and cannot move past the event. If this is part of what you're experiencing it may be time to get help from a professional who specializes in trauma recovery.
Vulnerability and Resilience
Because those who have already experienced trauma, or are under prolonged stress are more at risk of PTSD, there are folks in our community who are more vulnerable. Those suffering from chronic illness, who are navigating financial stress, unemployment, or who have recently suffered a loss, may be less able to navigate the additional strain on their nervous system.
A few key steps can help with increased resilience to trauma following an extreme weather event:
Get moving: try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day in a way that is rhythmic, even dancing would work. Add a mindfulness element if you’re comfortable with this.
Stay connected to your community: Isolation and withdrawal can make symptoms worse. Please note this does not mean you need to talk about the traumatic event, just do not be alone.
Regulate your nervous system: Use breathing techniques, and other strategies to manage anxious feelings. Make sure to prioritize sleep, healthy food and drinking lots of water.
Trauma-Informed Approaches to Disaster Response
Trauma informed approaches are those that offer choice and collaboration. Folks need to feel empowered and able to say no to things that don’t feel aligned for them. Both emotional and physical safety need to be prioritized and established quickly, and a culture of trust is necessary. Disaster Response can often result in quick decision making, authoritative communication and a lack of collaboration which can work to further the impact of a traumatic event. Disaster survivors need to experience care not only for their immediate physical needs, but also emotional and psychological needs. Post disaster recovery should involve folks supporting the community who are all working with folks emotional and mental health needs in mind, not only the immediate needs to reestablish infrastructure.
