Sara is a 38-year-old woman whose home was lost in a wildfire 2 months ago. She reports feeling anxiety and is not sleeping well due to frightening dreams. She is most likely experiencing:

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The emotional impact of disaster can sometimes be more devastating than the loss of home and personal property and often lasts longer than the physical manifestations (Carroll, Morbey, Balogh, & Araoz, 2008). Typical emotional reactions to acute stress include fear, anger, depression, anxiety, grief, confusion, helplessness, hopelessness, and emotional numbing. These "traumatic stress reactions are normal reactions to abnormal circumstances" (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2014. p. 59). If the emotional reactions are severe, these feelings can interfere with occupational performance, especially sleep, and cognitive functions such as decision-making and concentration. Children, older adults, and persons with physical and mental health challenges are especially at risk. If symptoms persist for more than 1 month and cause distress and/or impair social or work functioning, then a person may be diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mental health impact of a disaster is a function of proximity, intensity, and duration. The greater the intensity, the longer the duration, and the closer the proximity of the disaster, the more likely a person is to experience mental health problems (Hobfoll & De Vries, 2013).

Sara Is a 38-Year-Old Woman Whose Home Was Lost in a Wildfire