The escalating frequency of extreme weather events – from devastating hurricanes and wildfires to widespread floods – is not only causing physical destruction but also triggering a surge in anxiety.
However, mental health experts offer practical strategies to mitigate this stress, emphasising the critical role of preparedness.
“Preparation is always one of the most powerful tools that I can imagine — not just for safety, but also for mental health,” states Ruben Juarez, a health economist and University of Hawaii professor who led the Maui Wildfires Exposure Study, examining the repercussions of the deadly 2023 fires…