The California Wildfires have left countless losses to the state’s residents, including over 12,000 homes, businesses, and surrounding wildlife areas. According to Cal. Fire, the wildfires have reached 62 miles of area thus far. Pink flame retardants have been implemented to help slow the spread of the wildfires. With the tremendous loss caused by the wildfires, California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently lifted a requirement that calls for Californians to follow a review per the California Environmental Quality Act, also known as the CEQA. In addition, Gov. Newsom further implemented a lift on the California Coastal Act in order for faster rebuilding to occur.
Among the many to suffer losses during the wildfires, Jhené Aiko made a statement via Instagram soon after losing her own home in Los Angeles. On January 12, she stated, “In gratitude always! It seems silly to mourn material things, but when those things are connected to precious memories, it is heavy. Grief is a tricky thing, but possession is an illusion. Nothing ever truly belongs to us. Things only stay the same for a limited time, always.”
Following her heartfelt statement, Aiko encouraged her followers to give and share, linking a World Wildlife Fund to support pets and wildlife impacted by the wildfires. Many other ways to support victims of the wildfires have also been suggested from people opening up their homes to others who have lost theirs from the fires to AirBnB providing emergency housing for displaced individuals.
If any family members or loved ones have been affected by the wildfires, there are many ways to be supportive in their grieving process. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, when helping someone else after a loss, “Supporting someone who is grieving a death resulting from a disaster of public health crisis presents its own challenges, perhaps making it difficult to physically be together.” A few of the strategies provided by the National Center for PTSD are as follows:
Let the person know you are there for them
More often than not, someone going through a loss may distance themselves. The National Center for PTSD recommends that regardless if a loved one may “disappear after a loss,” it is crucial to reach out to them. Moreover, the Center asserts, “Even people who have endured the worst suffering often can benefit from an expression of caring, or from practical assistance, being included in activities, or a simple conversation.” Make sure to reach out to your loved ones and have them feel included!
Know what is most helpful
Supporting someone going through a traumatic situation also involves validating their feelings, and reassuring that someone is there for them. Some statements the Center lists that have shown to be positively received included: “We’re here for you, whatever you need,” and “You are not alone.”
Offer empathy
More often than not, empathy is one of the most well-received forms of support that allows the person to understand that they are not alone in what they are going through.
Offer a menu of options for support
Giving various options to support the person, whether that is making time to speak over the phone, helping with daily tasks, or simply showing up are great ways to be supportive!
Be sensitive to unique factors that affect the person
Everyone is different in how they may process or grieve a traumatic situation. Therefore, make sure to adapt to the person’s specific needs and circumstances that may affect their emotional process.
It is equally as important to note that these are just a few strategies that may help and that many others may prove to be even more beneficial!
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