like Los Angeles In the worst fighting in the city's history, thousands of people were displaced or saw their homes burned to the ground.
According to the Associated Press, about 130,000 people were ordered to evacuate, and about 10,000 buildings were destroyed. At least 10 people died as a result of the fires.
Experts agree that the devastation caused by the fires has undoubtedly affected the psychology of those affected.
Steve Guttenberg calls LA WILDFIRES 'the great equalizer,' urging people to rely on each other
Fox News Digital spoke with celebrities and mental health experts, who offered the following guidance for people affected.
Know your feelings
For those who have experienced loss From firesCommon reactions include shock, disbelief and confusion, according to David Kessler, a grief counselor in Los Angeles and founder of Grief.com.
“I call it the grief brain,” he told Fox News Digital.
Luke Dexter reacts as he examines the fire-ravaged remains of his father's beachfront property following the Palisades Fire on January 10, 2025 in Malibu, California. (AP Photo/John Locher) (Associated Press newsroom)
“Your mind is trying to process what happened, and it's hard for it to do so, because it's inconceivable that your home, your safety, is suddenly gone.”
Kessler noted that not all grief is related to death, as there are many different types of losses.
He added: “I always say that sadness is a change that we did not want, and certainly fire is a change that we did not want.”
What is PTSD? Symptoms that can appear after exposure to a traumatic event
He said it was important to “self-verify” the reality of the loss.
“People may give you a toxic positive outlook, at least no one died,” he said. “And while that's true, the reality is you'll still lose your home. Don't let anyone underestimate that.”
“Losing a home is devastating and can take years to recover.”
“I think we're going to be dealing with a lot of depression after that, and a lot of sadness.”
Actor Steve Guttenberg, who lives in Pacific Palisades, California, where the fires broke out Tuesday, shared how the disaster affected his life. Mental health.
“I've seen so much tragedy in the last three or four days that I have to be careful … to keep my sanity,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“And I think we'll deal with it A lot of depression And after this a lot of sadness. “And it's going to be really difficult because this is something you've never seen before.”
Actor Steve Guttenberg, who lives in Pacific Palisades, California, where the fires broke out Tuesday, shared how the disaster affected his mental health. (Agustín Bollier/AFP via Getty Images; Fox News)
Gutenberg noted that although it is “very normal” to fall, he tries not to allow himself to “fall into that hole.”
“But I'm very sad about this,” he added.
How to deal with “collective grief” when a mass tragedy occurs
Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in Manhattan and Washington, D.C., noted that the grief following the Los Angeles fires is “profound.”
“It's not just about the physical loss of homes or property, it's also about the sense of security and normalcy that we've lost,” he told Fox News Digital.
“It's important for people to feel emotions and not ignore them. This is a normal reaction to such a huge loss and tragedy.”
Contact us for support
Gutenberg stressed the importance of maintaining connections with others and attracting support from the community over a period of time A disaster of this magnitude.
“We are social animals, and we need people,” he said. “So I'm reaching out to my friends. There's no way to meet up right now because it's too dangerous — so the best thing you can do…is call and communicate and maybe you can drive somewhere.”
Experts agree that it's important to avoid isolating yourself after a loss. “We need to be taken care of. We need other people around us.” (Associated Press newsroom)
He pointed out that most of the city's residents were evacuated. “Maybe 10% of the population is left here. Or less.”
Kessler emphasized that communication is crucial after this type of trauma. “We need to be taken care of. We need other people around us. People are equally safe,” he said.
“We need other people around us. People equal safety.”
Pastor Jesse Bradley, of Grace Community Church outside Seattle, Washington, agreed that it's important to avoid isolating yourself after a loss.
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“We need God We need each other. “Community is vital,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Family, friends and neighbors care about you. God sends His love through these people. Reject isolation. Do not close in on people or close their doors.”
Take necessary action
“In times of crisis like this, regaining even small amounts of control can be disempowering,” Albert said.
He recommends making a plan for what's next, whether that's finding temporary housing, accessing local resources or starting the rebuilding process.
“Taking action — no matter how small — can help you move forward.”
Ben Treasure hugs his wife, Sarah Treasure, after his grandfather's watches were found in the remains of their home in Pacific Palisades on Thursday, January 9, 2025. “If you have survivor's guilt, I always say the best thing is to take action.” Experts advised. (Juan Carlo/Imagine)
Kessler agrees, noting that people who were in the area but didn't feel the loss might feel a sense of relief Mixed with guilt.
“If you have survivor's guilt, I always say the best thing is to take action,” he advised.
In the long term, advocacy efforts can be a powerful tool in dealing with trauma, Albert noted.
“Working to improve fire prevention policies, supporting relief efforts or helping neighbors rebuild can provide a sense of purpose and empowerment during this difficult time,” he said.
Albert acknowledged that some people may be angry at systems that failed to prevent fires in the first place, and that anger can be a “powerful motivator.”
“Taking action — no matter how small — can help you move forward.”
“Use this energy to demand the best, but don’t get bogged down in anger,” he advised.
“By holding leaders accountable for the policies — or lack thereof — that have contributed to this devastation, and by asking the right questions and demanding answers, you might start to feel better.”
Seek professional help as needed
“There is no doubt that the Los Angeles fires will leave not only physical scars, but also deep emotional scars,” Albert said.
“For many people, the fear, panic and helplessness they experienced during the fires does not just disappear, but persists and is created Flashbacks and anxiety And the difficulty of the work.”
“For many people, the fear, panic and helplessness they experienced during the fires not only disappears, but persists and creates flashbacks, anxiety and difficulty functioning.” (Istock)
In many cases, this can lead to Post-traumatic stress disorder (Post-traumatic stress disorder). Symptoms of this condition can include vivid memories of the fires, nightmares, hypervigilance, or avoiding anything that reminds someone of the event, Albert said.
“It's important not to see this as a weakness, but rather as the mind and body's way of trying to cope with extreme stress.”
“Although the fires were devastating, they do not diminish your strength or character.”
While seeking help, it's also important to understand that PTSD does not define you, he added.
“It's part of your experience, not your identity. Although the fires were devastating, they did not diminish your strength or character.”
Lean on your faith
For those who have experienced traumatic grief, Kessler emphasized the importance of faith and spirituality.
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“They help put us in a world full of fear,” he said. “And when we lose everything, we can feel it Our faith It's the only thing we have to hold on to.”
During a time of crisis, Gutenberg said it was important to “rely on whatever you believe in.”
Cesar Plaza became emotional while looking at his home destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on January 9, 2025. “It's easy to consume what you no longer have,” one pastor told Fox News Digital. (AP Photo/Nick Corey) (Associated Press newsroom)
“If you believe in your mother and father, you depend on them, on your brothers and sisters, on your friends, Your family. God is the universe.”
Above all, he added: “Just remember that you are not alone. God is always with you. Jesus is always with you. You have to hold on to that.”
Find ways to practice gratitude
During times of hardship, it's important to recognize the good things still in your life, Pastor Bradley said.
“It's easy to consume what you no longer have,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“You must be intentional about taking inventory of the blessings in your life. For example, you may lose a home or a job, but still have a family.”
This mindset will help you maintain a healthy perspective and protect gratitude, Bradley added.
