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    Recovering With & For

    Resources for Trauma Recovery: LA Wildfires

    Communal Trauma Requires Communal Recovery

    Trauma caused by disasters like wildfires is devastating. Take heart, no matter the enormity of grief and despair, humans have an incredible capacity to change and grow, and an enormous body of research exists that points to resources to support healing from various forms of trauma. People who have survived other disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey remind us “We will get through this.” This guide serves to point out various research-based resources for healing and offering support in a variety of different relationship roles and settings. The guide is not meant to be comprehensive, but aims to highlight some key issues and resources around trauma, healing, and hope. A few things to keep in mind about communal trauma:

    • People respond to trauma differently. 
      • We all have different experiences of the fire. People experience different levels of intensity–loss might be more direct or indirect–whether a lost home and all material possessions, a school, a neighborhood, a house of worship, a business, or a sense of a community. Some have more prolonged or frequent exposure than others (e.g., in person, through media, or caring for others). 
      • We all bring different “backpacks.” Trauma specialist, Dr. Cynthia Eriksson offers a backpack metaphor to convey that we all bring different personalities, coping styles, and experiences to a natural disaster. For example, issues like chronic illness, mental health, a job transition, loss of a loved one, a failing relationship, and discrimination all contribute to how one responds to the fires. In addition, 
      • We all have different “toolkits” in our backpacks. Some might have more natural social support that may offer practical or emotional support. Others might have spiritual practices that can help ground them and offer peace. Others might draw on physical exercise to cope. Consequently, 
      • It’s important not to judge others or ourselves. The experience of the wildfires is truly devastating and extending grace is essential. A list of potential symptoms or indications of trauma are found below, but know that it is normal not to feel like yourself. You are not alone in this. 
    • Recovery requires relationships. We need one another to heal. Although self-care is vital, self-care is “me-care” ultimately for “we-care.” We need others; and others need us. not just me-care, but it is also we-care. 
    • Recovery includes faith–whether in God, a higher power, or people. Healing, hope, and wholeness are found beyond ourselves. Drawing on one’s beliefs in a loving presence, spiritual practices, rituals, and community go a long way in recovery.

    You may not be feeling yourself*

    You might find yourself:

    ∙ Feeling drained, physically & emotionally
    ∙ Experiencing changes in eating and sleeping
    ∙ Feeling sad, numb, lonely, worried
    ∙ Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
    ∙ Feeling agitated and irritable
    ∙ Feeling easily frustrated, arguing with family and friends
    ∙ Feeling scattered and disoriented

    What can we do to promote Resilience & Recovery?*

    • Prioritize your safety and your family’s safety. 
    • Limit exposure to images and media from the event. 
    • Nurture your body: eat well, get rest (take breaks), and do things that help “ground” you (prayer, stretching, exercise, relaxation apps, centering). 
    • Engage spirituality with practices that calm you, consider the mystery of divine presence, seek guidance and wisdom from trusted leaders and scriptures, and seek support from your community. 
    • Stay connected in relationships: give and receive support. 
    • Create a routine when possible, do things you enjoy with others.
    • Set priorities: break down tasks into small steps, gather the information you need, and align with purpose when possible. 
    • Keep the whole journey in mind: can you identify where you have experienced grace and your strengths from the ways you have coped in the past. 
    • Living with integrity brings peace so look to your values to guide you. 
    • Be patient with yourself and others: avoid judging the actions of others, everyone has their own story
    * Adapted from Dr. Cynthia Eriksson and the Red Cross 

    Resources for Recovery from Trauma*

    On Building Resilience

    On Self-care and Calming the Body

    On Staying Connected

    On Caring for Children

    On Engaging Spirituality & Faith

    Apps that offer guidance on meditation and spiritual practices

    • Breathwrk–An app when listening to words may be too much.Created to help people to calm down, focus, increase stamina, and fall asleep easier through breathing exercises and classes. 
    • Calm–App for sleep, meditation, and relaxation.  “Change your mind. Change your life.”
    • Hallow–Catholic prayer app: find peace, pray your way, build a habit. 
    • Healthy Minds–Great app for helpful instruction and training on meditation.”We use science to develop products and provide services designed to help humans learn wellbeing.”
    • PrayAsYouGo–Offers daily lectio divina that is scripture-based along with various Examen prayers, retreats, and other spiritual practices.
    • Sacred Space–Daily prayers and lectio divina in many languages. 

    Other related resources for leaders

    Other related resources for clergy, chaplains, and spiritual leaders

    Other related resources for caring for children and youth

    *This will be maintained and updated.