As The Smoke Clears

As The Smoke Clears

Regan Young, LCSW, CAS

A New Leaf Therapy CEO

The Aspen Acres Fire has left a lasting mark on Southern Colorado, impacting far more than the land it burned. Thousands of people have experienced evacuations, uncertainty, the loss of homes, cherished places, and the routines that once made life feel predictable. Even for those whose homes were spared, weeks of having to be away from home, smoke, emergency alerts, road closures, worry about our houses, and concern for friends and neighbors have created a shared sense of stress and loss. 

While it has been truly incredible and touching how our communities have pulled together during this difficult time, the emotional effects of a disaster like this can continue long after the fire is out. Many people notice increased anxiety, difficulty sleeping, feelings of helplessness, nightmares, irritability, sadness, trouble concentrating, or feeling constantly on edge. Others may experience guilt for being safe when neighbors lost so much, or find themselves reliving frightening moments from the evacuation. These reactions are a normal response to an abnormal event. The symptoms don't mean there's something wrong with you. It's just a normal reaction to something traumatic that happened to you. 

For many people, these symptoms begin to ease over the first few weeks as the brain and body recover from the stress. However, if they become overwhelming, continue for a month or more, or start getting in the way of daily life, these may be signs that your brain may need a little extra help processing the trauma. Traumatic experiences don't just affect how we feel. They can also change the way we see ourselves, other people, and the world. Trauma therapy can help your brain make sense of what happened so those experiences don't continue to shape your life long after the danger has passed. Early support can make a meaningful difference, and you don't have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out for help.

Healing takes time, but no one has to carry the weight of this experience alone. Staying connected with family, friends, and your community, maintaining simple daily routines, limiting constant exposure to distressing news, and allowing yourself to talk about what you've been through can all make a difference. If the stress feels overwhelming or doesn't begin to improve, mental health therapy can help. There are well researched trauma therapy approaches that are designed for experiences just like this, and they can be life changing. Just as our community will rebuild homes, roads, and forests, we can also rebuild our sense of safety, hope, and resilience... one conversation, one act of support, one session, and one day at a time.