Mental Health Effects of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters can leave a lasting impact on individuals, families, and entire communities. While the physical destruction is visible, the mental health effects may not be as obvious. Understanding how disasters affect mental health can help people prepare, cope, and recover more effectively.

“Natural disasters affect people in different ways,” says Nomi Levy-Carrick, MD, MPhil, a Mass General Brigham psychiatrist. “A person’s reaction depends on many factors, including their past experiences, what is happening in their life at that moment, the nature of their exposure, and the support available to them as they rebuild. The sudden loss of control and uncertainty can be overwhelming, making it harder to cope in both the short and long term.”

Dr. Levy-Carrick is vice-chair for clinical programs in the Department of Psychiatry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She specializes in trauma-informed care in health care settings and in this article, she describes how natural disasters can affect mental health in many ways, from short-term stress to long-term challenges. Learning how to recognize and manage stress, get support, and heal over time can help with recovery.

Common types of natural disasters

Natural disasters can happen quickly or develop over time. Some, like earthquakes and tornadoes, strike without warning, while others, like hurricanes, build up more slowly. No matter how they start, they can all cause serious damage and emotional distress. The most common types are:

• Hurricanes and tropical storms
• Earthquakes
• Tornadoes
• Wildfires (which can also cause dangerous air pollution)
• Floods
• Blizzards and severe winter storms
• Droughts and extreme heat
• Landslides and mudslides

Living through a disaster can be overwhelming, and the emotional impact can last long after the event is over. Recognizing how disasters affect mental health can help people find ways to cope and recover.

Psychological first aid (PFA) provides a structured way to support emotional recovery immediately after a disaster. It is like first aid for the brain and body after a disaster, says Dr. Levy-Carrick. It helps people feel safe, regain control, and connect with support. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, PFA helps people feel less distressed after a disaster and supports their recovery by giving them tools to cope in both the short and long term.

Short-term psychological effects of natural disasters

Right after a natural disaster, many people feel intense emotions. These may include:

• Shock, fear, and confusion, which are normal immediate responses to traumatic exposures
• Feelings of helplessness and uncertainty, especially for those who have lost their homes or loved ones
• Trouble sleeping, difficulty focusing, and increased anxiety due to sudden life changes
• High stress and exhaustion among first responders and frontline workers, who may also have more physical effects. For example, during wildfires, first responders and frontline workers may have effects from prolonged exposure to the fires and toxins released as buildings burn

These short-term effects often lessen as people regain stability, but for some, they can lead to longer-term struggles.

“We know that individuals who were most vulnerable before this disaster will be disproportionately impacted. As a community, and society, we want to think about ways to be equitable in our allocation of supports,” says Dr. Levy-Carrick.   

“We also want to be trauma-informed about the ways we engage disaster survivors in many different settings,” she adds. “Asking ‘what happened to you?’ rather than ‘what’s wrong with you?’ can create an opportunity for understanding the experiences they feel are impacting them most. By understanding that what-how-why of an individual’s story, we can respond in ways that are more meaningful and impactful.”

Long-term psychological effects of natural disasters

For many, the mental health effects of a natural disaster do not end once the immediate danger is gone. Some may experience:

• Chronic anxiety, depression, PTSD, or grief, depending on their experiences and the support available
• Survivor’s guilt, particularly for those who witnessed or experienced destruction but did not lose as much as others
• Individual and community-wide grief, as damage to homes and the environment affects everyone
• Emotional distress around the anniversary of the disaster, triggered by memories of what happened

While support systems are essential to help people heal and move forward, some may need the help of mental health care providers as well. It is important to know that there are impactful, evidence-based interventions that can provide symptom relief.  Sometimes people need medication as well. 

When emotions become overwhelming and get in the way of functioning and relationships, it’s important to seek out support. Shame and guilt can get in the way of that. It’s important disaster survivors understand that they shouldn’t worry alone and they can seek help if they are feeling stuck or in a dark place emotionally.

Ways to manage distress after a natural disaster

For those feeling distress after a natural disaster, Dr. Levy-Carrick shares several steps that can help with recovery:

• Use healthy coping strategies, like getting enough sleep, meals, and exercise, as well as talking with supportive friends or professionals. If you’re prescribed medication for medical or mental health conditions, make sure to continue taking them as soon as possible.
• Avoid unhealthy coping methods, such as drinking too much alcohol or using substances, which can slow recovery.
• Stay connected with others through community events, support groups, or volunteering to build strength and support.
• Trust reliable leaders and sources of information to stay informed and feel more prepared.
• Be mindful of social media, as it can provide helpful updates but also spread misinformation and increase fear.

Resources for managing stress and emotional recovery after a disaster

The following resources provide helpful steps for managing stress:

• Coping After a Disaster by the American Psychiatric Association (APA)
• Southern California Wildfire Response: Resource for Mental Health Clinicians Who Are Helping by APA
• Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event: Managing Stress by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA)

With the right support systems, mental healing is possible.

What does longer-term care for mental health issues after natural disasters look like?

Healing after a disaster takes time and support. Dr. Levy-Carrick explains that long-term recovery isn’t just about immediate emotional reactions, but also involves rebuilding routines, addressing ongoing mental health challenges, and ensuring people have access to the right resources.

Support at the individual, family, and community level plays a key role in helping survivors regain stability and move forward. Long-term care can include:

• Restoring daily routines to bring stability. Returning to school, work, and other activities whenever possible helps children and adults adjust.
• Tailored mental health care based on individual needs. Factors like past trauma, financial pressures and overall health can affect recovery, and access to therapy and, for some, medication, can be lifesaving.
• Community mental health resources to ensure care for those who need it most. Local efforts can provide crisis counseling and financial aid.
• Recognizing that grief and trauma can take time to abate. Some people may struggle emotionally weeks, months, or years later, especially around anniversaries or major life events.

Providing long-term mental health support can help individuals and communities rebuild their lives after a disaster.

“Surviving a natural disaster is just the beginning,” says Dr. Levy-Carrick. “When the level of destruction is as significant as in the recent LA Wildfires, we have to remember that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.”

“There will be different phases of response that relate to finding a new place to live, to work, and marking other milestones (birthdays, anniversaries) during this period of displacement,” she says. “Recognizing that the process is rarely linear, and letting go of an idea that life will resume exactly as it was before, allows for self-compassion and can provide a buffer to the waves of distress that can occur during the recovery period. There is an opportunity for post-traumatic growth, not just traumatic stress: sometimes just knowing that possibility can help people feel less fatalistic about what their mental health will be like in the future.”