Study shows anxiety and depression in those displaced by natural disasters
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Natural disasters can be hard on a person's mental health, especially if they've lived through one.
"Unfortunately, a lot of people take too much responsibility and believe that if they're having some sort of unusual physiological reaction or unusual thoughts or fear, they think something's wrong with them," said Coraline Robinson, a Licensed Family Marriage therapist and a director at Balance Treatment Center.
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that people forced to leave their homes because of a natural disaster experienced higher levels of depression or anxiety, with symptoms lasting months to even years after the disaster.
"I would say that's one of the most common challenges with anxiety disorders is having tolerance for the unknown," said Robinson.
Researchers looked at those affected by hurricanes, floods, wildfires and earthquakes. They found depression affected up to 40% of displaced individuals, with about 45% experiencing signs of anxiety.
The study also revealed those who did not return home within a year had a higher chance of mental health symptoms, compared to those who were displaced for a shorter time.
"The problem is when the trauma or the threat is no longer there and our body and mind continues to react as if it were," said Robinson. "That's when it becomes more of a long standing mental health issue."
Robinson explains it's important for survivors to acknowledge what they went through is traumatic and that it's okay to find help.
"Everyone has a different path in how they recover," said Robinson. "But there is a path, and that's normal that it doesn't resolve within days."
She says finding support in the community is essential for recovery because it makes them feel like they're not alone.
If you are in need of mental health help or support, you can visit the Balance Treatment Center website to see what services are available.
Click here to learn more.
