*Trigger Warning*
This post contains material that may disturb some people.
In times of devastation, like the fires currently raging in LA, it’s hard not to feel the echoes of past tragedies. For me, it brings back memories of Black Saturday in 2009—a day that changed my community forever. Writing about it in 2019 felt like revisiting a wound that hadn’t quite healed. Now, as similar events unfold across the world, the weight of those memories feels closer than ever.
This reflection isn’t just about the past; it’s about recognising how the impact of fires ripples far beyond the flames themselves. It’s about understanding how we process trauma, both as individuals and as a collective, and finding ways to navigate through it.
Coping with the Trauma of Bushfire
The trauma of bushfires isn’t confined to the moment—they leave lasting scars. For those who lived through Black Saturday, and for those experiencing the LA fires now, the emotional toll can be immense. Even for those watching from afar, the devastation can stir deep feelings of fear, loss, and helplessness.
This emotional impact, known as vicarious trauma, is a natural response to witnessing or hearing about distressing events. You may feel emotionally drained, hypervigilant, or even physically tense as if the danger were immediate. Recognising these feelings is the first step in addressing them. It’s important to honour what you’re experiencing and take small steps to support your emotional well-being (I have a free guide to support you if you feel you need help- more information below in the Further Resources section).
The Ripple Effect of the LA Fires
This blog post, originally written as a reflection on Black Saturday, remains just as poignant today as it was then. I’m resharing it now to honour those affected by fires everywhere and to offer a resource for navigating these challenges—a free Psychological First Aid guide you’ll find linked below.
Whether you’re directly impacted or supporting someone who is, you’re not alone. Together, we can find moments of calm, even in the chaos.
Honouring Those Impacted by the Fires
This blog post I am sharing with you now is a reflection on Black Saturday and it remains just as poignant today as it was then. I’m resharing it to honour those affected by fires everywhere and to offer a resource for navigating these challenges—a free Psychological First Aid guide you’ll find linked below. Whether you’re directly impacted or supporting someone who is, you’re not alone.
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Further Resources
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