California Wildfire Exposure, Vulnerability, and Mental Health: Who gets to recover and who does not? (preprint)

ABSTRACT

One of the various aftereffects of persistent climate change is an upsurge in the frequency, severity, and effect of wildfires on the wellbeing of suffering communities. The destruction and wreckage of one's home, properties, and the surrounding neighborhood, as well as the threat to one's psychological safety and the safety of loved ones, can have long-term effects on survivors' mental health. The central goal of this study, therefore, is threefold. Firstly, identify the significant qualitative and quantitative studies that examine the impacts of wildfire on mental health. This study mainly focuses on studies that capture the effects of wildfire, smoke, and air quality in California and how that affected the local communities based on their vulnerability determinants. Secondly, the study examines both types of studies to find common grounds regarding the most vulnerable population and their mental health, their ability to seek professional help, and barriers to the road to recovery. Finally, this study provides evidence-based strategies for including more vulnerable members of society in receiving sufficient and timely psychological care to recover from PTSD, trauma, distress, and hopelessness. Migrant farmworkers, particularly younger female Hispanic and indigenous workers, suffer from the wildfire's long-term stress, PTSD, depression, and emotional distress. Furthermore, the continued COVID-19 deepens the gap, social stigma, and barriers to receiving sufficient mental health care to recover and rehabilitate traumatic wildfire exposure. A localized mental healthcare support system based on equity, with flexible infrastructure and greater accessibility, promises to be more efficient and advantageous for underrepresented and vulnerable individuals seeking mental health treatment and quick recovery.