The residents from a number of northern Manitoba communities and First Nations have been evacuated from their homes due to raging wildfires.

While their physical well-being and safety was top of mind, their mental health is also a concern.

Dr. Adegoke Adelufosi, a psychiatrist with the Northern Health Region, shares some ways evacuees may exhibit signs of stress.

“For example, people may have difficulty with sleeping, so insomnia, anxiety that can manifest as distress or just panic attacks. Some may have even nightmares as part of the reaction and also depression.”

Adelufosi said these are normal reactions in the early stage of stress, but that for some who already have mental health issues or earlier trauma, these symptoms could become so intense that they may develop PTSD or major depressive disorder.

For those experiencing extreme anxiety or distress due to the wildfire evacuations, call the Mental Health intake at 204-677-5350.

Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon to learn more about evacuation stress and the resources available.