Teenagers at Samohi High School are struggling to come to terms with the trauma they experienced during the Palisades Fire, which devastated Los Angeles last year. Many students described feeling anxious and uncertain after the disaster, with some even recalling it as reminiscent of COVID-19 lockdowns.
According to experts, youth like those at Samohi are more prone to stress and trauma responses after events like the fire. The National Institutes of Health notes that this is because youth often struggle to cope with uncertainty and loss.
One student, sophomore Alex Chaiet, was unable to return home during the evacuation due to road closures. She had to leave her school rehearsals early and return to “Chicago” despite not being able to gather any belongings from her room. Alex’s experience highlights the trauma and stress that students faced during the disaster.
However, some students have channeled their fears into activism. Student-run clubs like Baking for Change and ASB organized bake sales and toy drives to support families in need affected by the fire. Others are speaking out about climate change, citing concerns that it has already surpassed predictions.
The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that we are “standing in the midst of a climate emergency,” not just a distant threat or future crisis. Samohi students are among those calling for action to prevent irreversible damage to the planet.
Source: https://smdp.com/news/education/students-taking-different-routes-to-deal-with-wildfire-stress