They alert the impact of fires on mental health

Last hour about fires in Spain: two new foci are reactivated in León

“The elderly are especially vulnerable to fires both physically and emotionally”

Forest fires not only destroy material and tangible goods, but In addition to physical damage that can cause the flames to those who face, in one way or another, with the flames, Unrecoverable memory spaces also disappear. And in this sense, older people and children usually deserve Special consideration in this grieving process.

This values, from the Colexio Official of Psycholoxy of Galiciathe psychologist Julita María TouriñoSecretary of the Coordinate Commission of Psychological Intervention Group in Catastrophes and Emergence of the Institution, in an interview with Europa Press.

The expert points out that in catastrophes like the one in Galicia, with thousands of hectares on fire, beyond the houses that become ash, Family albums and furniture loaded with memories also disappear that go through generations and that, suddenly, they strive.

“The grieving process will depend on eachof what they have really lost. However, All go face that feeling of loss“Touriño explains.

Therefore, the expert considers it essential to make a careful evaluation To, later, know if you must request Professional help to take care of mental health.

From there comes another consequence for those affected, which is to suffer a constant sensation of insecuritysomething that is created when, in fact, people lose what is their shelter reference: The home.

“What is at stake with these fires is securityand hence the level of acute stress“, complements the psychologist.

The whole community suffers emotional impact

And in the case of fires and more catastrophes, there is also a Community Disaster Dimension. The expert also emphasizes that the entire community suffers the emotional impact, since no one usually imagines that some magnitude can happen. “It is incomprehensible, a sense of disbelief“Touriño emphasizes.

The expert has also pointed out that older people and children usually deserve special consideration in this grieving process.

Strategies to reassure the body

In these groups, it is key to observe behavioral changes and detect situations that can generate stress.

For example, if exposure to heat generates a more accentuated reaction, or if the person is different when it is exposed to images of fire or smoke. They are also “symptoms“The emergence of intrusive images, sleeping difficulties and eating disorders.” In the long run, Those experiences can be a flashback trigger“The psychologist has transferred.

In these and more cases, there are strategies that can be carried out to calm the body. One of them, for example, is to control hyperventilation using conscious breathing techniques.

Ask for help

The people who are affected and want Search for help they can Call the number 112 and request help.

Touriño remembers that The specialized group is activated and available to provide assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.