Why You Might Feel Worse 10 Months After the Eaton & Palisades Fires, and How to Heal
Months have passed since the Eaton and Palisades Fires burned through parts of Los Angeles and Pasadena, but for many, the emotional aftermath continues. The flames may be gone, yet the memories — the smell of smoke, the orange skies, the panic of evacuation orders — can still feel close.
Even those who didn’t lose their homes have felt the toll: disrupted routines, sleepless nights, jumpiness at the sound of sirens, or a sense of unease that lingers without explanation. Disasters like these reach far beyond physical destruction — they shake our nervous systems and sense of safety.
The Long Shadow of Fire: When Healing Takes Time
Recovery doesn’t follow a timeline. Some people feel relief right away; others notice the emotional weight only later. It’s common for anxiety, sadness, or irritability to surface months after life seems “back to normal.”
In fact, many people start feeling worse around the 10-month mark — long after the news cycle has moved on. Once the adrenaline fades and daily life returns, your body may finally begin processing what it endured. Feeling more emotional or unsettled now doesn’t mean you’re going backward; it’s often a sign that your mind is finally catching up.
You might notice:
Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Feeling detached or on edge
Moments of guilt for what others lost
A sense that small stresses feel “too big”
These are normal reactions to trauma. Your body is built to protect you, and it sometimes keeps the alarm system running long after the danger passes.
Steps Toward Emotional Recovery
The path forward begins with compassion — for yourself and others. Healing takes patience, but small, consistent steps help restore balance.
Rebuild routines. Familiar patterns tell your brain it’s safe again.
Stay connected. Reach out to friends, neighbors, or community groups. You’re not alone in this.
Limit distressing content. Repeatedly watching fire footage or reading updates can reactivate trauma.
Allow rest and reflection. Fatigue, forgetfulness, and emotional ups and downs are part of recovery.
Find meaning in helping. Supporting others or volunteering can transform pain into purpose.
Even something as simple as walking in nature or tending to your home can remind your nervous system that safety and beauty still exist.
When to Seek Support
If the impact of the Eaton or Palisades Fires still feels heavy — if you’re having trouble sleeping, feeling constantly on guard, or struggling to enjoy things you used to — professional help can make a difference.
Therapy offers tools to calm the body, process trauma, and rebuild resilience. You don’t have to face it alone, and reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a step toward healing.
If you’d like to talk with someone about how the fires have affected you or your family, therapy can help. You can contact me, Dr. Bri, Psychologist (Pasadena, CA) at bri@triviumd.com