After the fire
Psychological support following a fire: the after-effects can be treated
Whether you saw the fire approaching, were evacuated in a hurry, lost your home or were simply very frightened: the shock takes its toll — sleep problems, irritability, recurring images. It is a reaction normal in the event of an unforeseen incident, and free support is available from the very first days.
Key points
- Normal reactions during the first few weeks: disturbed sleep, startle responses, intrusive images, irritability, feelings of guilt.
- The CUMP (medical and psychological emergency support teams) provide free assistance following disasters — find out more at your local town hall or by calling 15.
- If symptoms last for more than a month or get worse: consult your GP — post-traumatic stress disorder is treatable.
- 3114 : National suicide prevention helpline, available 24 hours a day, free of charge. In the event of an acute crisis : 15.
- Children communicate through drawings, games and stomach aches: listen without overreacting or downplaying the situation.
What is normal — and what should raise concerns
In the days that follow, most people who have been exposed go through a phase of acute stress : hypervigilance (the smell of smoke sets off a panic response), sleep disturbances and nightmares, intrusive images, emotional ups and downs, exhaustion, guilt (“I should have…”). These reactions normally subside within 2 to 4 weeks, especially when you can talk about it and get back to normal life.
Take a look now if : the symptoms last for more than a month or get worse ; you avoid anything that reminds you of the event to the point where it restricts your life ; alcohol or medication become a crutch; you start having dark thoughts — in which case, call the 3114 (24 hours a day, free of charge) or 15 in an emergency. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a genuine medical condition… which responds very well to specialised therapies (trauma-focused CBT, EMDR).
Who to turn to (and how much it costs: often nothing)
| Device | What for? | Access |
|---|---|---|
| CUMP — medical and psychological emergency support team | Immediate, community-based support following the incident (drop-in sessions at the town hall and the village hall) | Free of charge; arranged by the SAMU or the Prefecture — further information available at the town hall or by dialling 15 |
| General practitioner | Assessment, sick leave if necessary, referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist | Reimbursed ; the gateway to the scheme My mental health support (psychologist’s appointments covered by the scheme) |
| 3114 | Mental distress, suicide prevention — for yourself or a loved one | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge |
| Red Cross Listening Service (0 800 858 858) | General counselling following a disaster | Free |
| Disaster victims’ organisations | Mutual support between people who have been through the same experience — a powerful and well-documented effect | Set up locally following major fires ; information available at the town hall |
| Occupational Medicine | If the event has affected your business (farmers, self-employed people: MSA and dedicated support teams) | Through your employer or the MSA (Agri’écoute: 09 69 39 29 19) |
Children: listening to what they don’t say in words
- In young children, trauma manifests itself through the body and play: regressive behaviour (bedwetting, fear of the dark), stomach aches, repeated drawings of fire, and games where ‘it burns’. This is their way of coming to terms with it — neither suppress it, nor be alarmed by it straight away.
- Tell the truth simply (“The forest has burnt down, the fire brigade have put it out, we’re safe”), answer questions without giving any frightening details, and limit the repeated footage shown on news channels.
- Re-establish routines (school, meals, bedtime): predictability helps.
- If the symptoms persist (withdrawal, aggression, nightmares lasting longer than a month): see a doctor or school psychologist — CUMPs also have paediatric specialists on their team.
Helping a loved one who is ‘holding on’
Those most at risk of the fallout are often the ones who have ‘managed’ the situation: farmers who have defended their farms, elected representatives, volunteers and volunteer firefighters. Active denial (“I’m fine, there are worse things”) delays seeking help. What helps: offering practical support (looking after the children, helping with administrative procedures), talking about your own feelings rather than asking about theirs, and casually mentioning relevant information (“The CUMP helpline is open on Thursday; I’m popping in – are you coming? ”nbsp;”). For farmers, the MSA has a dedicated support network.
The risk changes every day. So do your reflexes.
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