As Los Angeles While battling the worst wildfire in the city’s history, thousands have been displaced or watched their homes burn.
According to the Associated Press, about 130,000 people were ordered to evacuate and about 10,000 structures were destroyed. At least 10 people have died as a result of the fire.
Experts agree that the devastation of the fire undoubtedly took a toll on the psyche of those affected. (See the video at the top of this article.)
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Fox News Digital spoke to celebrities, mental health experts and others, who offered the following guidance for all those affected.
‘Don’t ignore the feelings’
For those who have experienced loss. by fireAccording to David Kessler, a grief counselor in Los Angeles and founder of Grief.com, common reactions include shock, disbelief and confusion.
“I call it the grief mind,” he told Fox News Digital.
Luke Dexter reacts as he sifts through the remains of his father’s fire-damaged beachfront property in the wake of the Palisades fire on January 10, 2025 in Malibu, California. (John Locher/AP Newsroom)
“Your mind is trying to make sense of what happened, and it’s a hard thing to do, because it’s unimaginable that your home, your security, is suddenly gone.”
Kessler notes that not all grief is related to death, as there are many types of losses.
“I always say grief is a change you didn’t want – and certainly fire is a change we didn’t want,” he added.
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He said the fact of the loss must be “self-verified”.
“People can give you toxic positivity, ‘Well, at least nobody died,'” she said. “And while that’s true, the fact remains that you still lost your home. Don’t let anyone take that down.”
“I think we’re going to be dealing with a lot of depression, a lot of sadness after that.”
“The loss of a home is devastating, and it can take years to recover.”
Actor Steve Guttenberg, who lives in Pacific Palisades, Calif., where the fire broke out Tuesday, described how the disaster has affected his own people. Mental health.
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“I’ve seen so much tragedy in the last three or four days that I have to be careful to keep my mind in check,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
“And I think we’re going to deal with it. A lot of depression After that, very sad. And it’s going to be really hard because it’s nothing you’ve ever seen.”
Actor Steve Guttenberg, who lives in Pacific Palisades, California, where the fire broke out on Tuesday, spoke about how the disaster has affected his mental health. (Augustin Pallier/AFP via Getty Images; Fox News)
Gutenberg notes that while being down is “very normal,” he’s trying not to “let himself go down that hole.”
“But I’m pretty sad about it,” he added.
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Jonathan Alpert, a psychologist in Manhattan and Washington, D.C., noted that the grief after the Los Angeles fires is “profound.”
“It’s not just about physical harm. House or property — it’s also about a sense of safety and normalcy that’s been lost,” he told Fox News Digital.
“It’s important for people to feel the emotions and not ignore them. It’s a normal response to such great loss and tragedy.”
Contact for support.
Gutenberg emphasized the importance of maintaining connections with others and seeking support from the community. A disaster of this magnitude.
“We’re social animals — we need people,” he said. “So I am. Reach out to your friends. There’s no way to meet right now because it’s too dangerous – so the best thing you can do is call and arrive and maybe you can drive somewhere.”
Experts agree that it’s important to avoid isolating yourself after a loss. “We need to take care. We need other people around us.” (AP Newsroom)
He pointed out that most of the people in the city have been displaced.
“Maybe 10% of the population is left here. Or less.”
Kessler reiterated that connection is vital after this type of trauma. “We need to care. We need other people around us. Equal protection for people,” he said.
“We need other people around us. People protect equals.”
Jesse Bradley, pastor of Grace Community Church outside Seattle, Washington, agreed that it’s important to avoid isolating yourself after a loss.
“We need God. And we need each other. Community is so important,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Family, friends and neighbors care about you. God sends his love through these people. Reject loneliness. Don’t close and shut people out.”
Take action.
“In times of crisis like this, having even a small amount of control can be foundational,” Alpert said.
He recommends making a plan for what’s next — whether it’s finding temporary housing, accessing local resources or starting the rebuilding process.
“Taking action — no matter how small — can help you move forward.”
Ben Trager hugs his wife Sarah Trager after finding his grandfather’s clock in the remains of their Pacific Palisades home on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. “If you have survivor’s guilt, I always say the best thing to do is take action,” advises one expert. (Juan Carlo/Amigan)
Kessler agreed, noting that people who are in the area but not experiencing loss can feel a sense of relief. Mixed with guilt.
“If you have survivor’s guilt, I always say the best thing to do is to take action,” he advises.
Alpert notes that in the long term, advocacy efforts can be a powerful tool for dealing with trauma.
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“Working to improve fire prevention policies, assisting with relief efforts or helping neighbors rebuild can provide a sense of purpose and empowerment during these difficult times,” she said.
Alpert acknowledged that some people may be angry about systems that failed to stop fires in the first place, and that anger can be a “powerful motivator.”
“Taking action — no matter how small — can help you move forward.”
“Use that energy to ask for better, but don’t get caught up in anger,” he advises.
“By holding leaders accountable for the policies — or lack thereof — that contributed to this disaster, and by asking the right questions and demanding answers, you can start to feel better.”
Get professional help as needed.
“There’s no doubt that the L.A. Fire will leave not only physical scars, but deep emotional scars as well,” Alpert said.
“For many people, the fear, panic and helplessness experienced during a fire doesn’t just go away – it lingers. Flashbacks, anxiety and difficulty functioning.”
“For many people, the fear, panic and helplessness felt during a fire don’t just go away – they linger, causing flashbacks, anxiety and difficulty functioning.” (iStock)
In many cases, it can lead to Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of the condition can include vivid memories of the fire, nightmares, extreme caution or avoiding anything that reminds one of the event, Alpert said.
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“It’s important not to see this as a weakness, but rather the mind and body’s way of coping with extreme stress.”
“While the fires were destructive, they do not diminish your strength or character.”
She added that when people seek help, it’s also important to understand that PTSD doesn’t define anyone.
“It’s part of your experience, not your identity. While the fire was devastating, it didn’t diminish your strength or character,” Alpert said.
Lean on faith.
For those who have experienced traumatic grief, Kessler emphasized the importance of faith and spirituality.
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“They help us in a world full of fear,” he said. “And when we’ve lost everything, it can feel like that. Our faith That’s one thing we have to catch.”
During times of crisis, Gutenberg said, “It’s important to trust anything you believe in.”
Caesar Plaza becomes emotional as he watches his home destroyed by the Eaton fire in Altadena on January 9, 2025. “It’s easy to devour what you no longer have,” one priest told Fox News Digital. (AP Photo/Nick Corey)
“If you trust your mother and father, you trust them, your brothers and sisters, your friends, your family, God, the universe.”
Above all, he added, “Just remember, you’re not alone. God is always with you. Jesus is always with you. You’ve got to hang on to Him.”
Find ways to give thanks.
Pastor Bradley said that during difficult times, it is important to recognize the good things that are still in your life.
“It’s easy to get used to what you don’t have,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“You need to be intentional about taking inventory of the blessings in your life. For example, you may lose your home or business, but you still have family.”
Bradley adds that this mindset will help you maintain a healthy perspective and maintain gratitude.