08/11/2025
Counsellors and staff here at Miramichi Counselling Centre recognize that wildfires and other environmental emergencies can be stressful, frightening, and exhausting—emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It’s normal to feel grief, anxiety, confusion, irritability, or numbness.
Take a moment to review this post for some help with managing stress and anxiety triggered by the recent wildfires getting close to home.
Most importantly, always refer to official sources like the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development and New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization, as well as notices from the City of Miramichi and the Government of New Brunswick. Stay informed by signing up for alerts from VoyentAlert!
We have counsellors accepting new clients if you’re looking to connect and explore anxiety related to the wildfires, or anything else. Call 506-622-3161 or check out our website for more information.
Tips to Care for Yourself and Loved Ones During Emergencies
1. Prepare in Advance
• Make a personal emergency plan for your family and pets, even if your community has one. Include safety steps, evacuation routes, and contact information.
• Prepare an emergency kit, including medications, comfort items, and important documents.
• Identify your stress signs and create a self-care plan for emergencies.
• Know your support network—friends, family, community members, and people outside the impacted area.
• Create a list of resources such as your family doctor, local mental health services, and crisis lines.
2. Protect Your Mental Health During an Emergency
• Focus on what you can control and set small priorities.
• Stay connected with your support system.
• Maintain routines when possible—meals, sleep, exercise, and enjoyable activities.
• Limit exposure to social media and news that heightens distress.
• Allow yourself to grieve losses and acknowledge emotions without judgment.
• Avoid major life decisions until things stabilize.
• If able, help others—volunteering can restore a sense of control.
3. After the Emergency
• Rebuild structure: set small daily goals, keep social connections, and reintroduce enjoyable activities.
• Continue healthy habits—balanced meals, hydration, rest, and relaxation techniques.
• Use local and virtual mental health services and share resources with others.
• Remind yourself that recovery includes ups and downs—it’s normal to have good and bad days.
4. Supporting Children and Vulnerable People
• Before: Reassure children you have a plan and review safety steps.
• During: Stay calm, explain events in age-appropriate terms, and validate their feelings.
• After: Provide comfort, maintain routines, and create opportunities for play, creativity, and emotional expression.
• Check in on elders, vulnerable individuals, and people with few supports.
• Seek professional help if distress or unusual behaviors persist.
Helpful Crisis Lines
• Hope for Wellness Help Line (First Nations, Inuit, Métis): 1-855-242-3310 or online chat
• Mawlugutineg Mental Wellness Team: 506-626-1124
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
• Su***de Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8
• Miramichi Emergency Centre for Women: 506-622-8865
• Miramichi Adult Emergency Shelter: 506-622-5377
• Miramichi Youth House: 506-624-9909
• Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566
• Mental Health and Addiction Services: 506-778-6111
Remember: it’s okay to not be okay, but you also aren’t alone! Prepare ahead, protect your mental health during emergencies, reconnect after, and reach out for support when needed. Taking care of yourself also helps you care for others.
