Evacuations are stressful. Mental health professionals weigh in on how to manage that anxiety

Thousands of British Columbians have now been faced with being ordered to leave their homes immediately, be it because of wildfire, flooding or another threat. The climate crisis doesn't appear to be slowing, meaning many more may find themselves in that situation in the years to come. 

And when someone knocks on your door telling you to leave right away, it can bring up some pretty intense anxiety. 

Bonnie Fehr and her husband were ordered to leave their property about an hour from Burns Lake, B.C., on July 9 as a wildfire approached. She said that at the time, her mental health was "not good."

"You don't sleep. That's the biggest thing."

Registered psychologist Dr. Kathy Keating, based in Kelowna, B.C., says it's completely normal and expected that anyone in that situation would feel acute stress. 

Many will notice physical symptoms, including trouble sleeping, increased heart rate and upset stomach, among other things, she said. 

But again, those reactions are normal, Prince George counsellor Jenny DeReis emphasizes. 

"That usually will last for a couple of days, and it does tend to taper off by the two-week mark," she said. 

If your anxiety persists beyond a couple of weeks, DeReis said, it may be time to consider seeking professional help. 

However, there are tools to help minimize the impact of that acute stress before you need to seek counselling. 

Keating said one of the biggest things people can do to protect themselves from the stress and anxiety that comes with evacuations is to plan ahead. 

"If you've lived in British Columbia for any period of time, you're unfortunately aware that this could be a reality," she said.

Making sure a go bag is packed with essentials and important documents and items are ready to go will mitigate some stress when leaving on short notice. 

The province has compiled a list of items that should be included in an emergency bag, including phone chargers, medication and water.