How natural disasters can create long-lasting trauma

The Canadian wildfire season began intensely, with fires in eight provinces and one territory forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, not knowing when or whether they would ever return.

For these survivors, it can be difficult to navigate the after-effects of living through traumatic events, explains professor of psychiatry at Dalhousie University, Vincent Agyapong.

In 2016, Agyapong led a study that surveyed survivors of the wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alta.

The survey found, six months after the disaster, nearly 15 per cent of respondents were suffering from some type of major depressive disorder.

The survey also found that people who didn't seek mental health support after the wildfires were 13 times more likely to have a major depressive disorder.

Agyapong explains additional help could include more online mental health resources or promotional campaigns to help boost morale and show support to people affected.