Emotional Resources

General Advice

Consider seeking counseling or therapy, at least for a little while. Many people do not realize the emotional toil and drain they are experiencing.

Don’t try to go too fast. One of our clients told us that their biggest mistake was feeling like they had to make big decisions quickly. Realize that the whole rebuilding process could take 3 years, or more.

Give yourself grace. You do not need to be an expert, or even expect that you know how to do any of this. For most people, this is unexplored territory. You’ll make some mistakes along the way; that’s OK.

Try to think of this as a family adventure. That is not meant to be harsh or dismissive of the pain, stress and anxiety. But one of our clients who went through a previous fire told us that thinking this way and including the older kids in the discussions helped strengthen their family bond. At the end of all this, you want your family to remain intact and emotionally healthy.

How To Support Friends Who Are Affected

(Recommendations from a client who lived through a fire)

• Gift cards (target, whole foods, door dash, sun basket, etc).
• If the family was into music or had instruments, a gift card to a music shop, etc.
• Family experience gift cards; museums, southwest airlines, a gifted weekend away to someone’s rental property.
• When families find places to stay, whether it’s temporary or long term, they most likely will have to restock the spices and fridge. Having door dash, gift cards to grocery stores and even those food meal prep subscriptions are really wonderful.
• If you know where a family is staying locally, pick a night and offer to send them dinner.
• When families move back in, gift cards from Target, Wholefoods, grocery stores and home decoration stores take a little weight off the effort.
• Ask families if they need clothes before sending them any. People tend to get way too many clothes gifted to them.

California Parent & Youth Helpline

24/7 emotional support for youth and parents. Available through calls, texts, and live chats.
https://caparentyouthhelpline.org/
(855) 427-2736