Two Laval University researchers are examining mental health in Fort McMurray after the recent wildfire and evacuation, trying to determine how well people are really coping and whether PTSD and other mental health issues have increased because of the recent events. Everyone in the community tries to put on a strong face and stay positive, but School of Psychology at Laval University graduate student researchers Camille Pepin and Laura-Emilie Savage are noticing a different pattern that is emerging. The duo is trying to study the mental health consequences that the worst natural disaster in Canada has had on the local community. According to Pepin “If everyone is talking about how they’re strong but they cry every morning, it’s hard to face a community and pretend to be strong. I am sure the positive messages have been truly uplifting and encouraging, and helping a lot of people. But for others, it might be overwhelming or even embarrassing.”

Fort McMurray was overwhelmed by the wildfire and evacuated on May 3, and the wildfire caused over 90,000 people to flee. Close to 2,000 structures were completely destroyed, and almost 2,575 individual residences were lost as a result. The Laval University researchers are hoping to study just how much of an impact the wildfire had on the mental health of community residents. Adults from every socioeconomic background are being interviewed as part of the study. Savage stated in an interview that “There is this very high expectation some people feel they face, that they should return and be strong,” said Savage during a Monday morning interview. “It is not that the resources are inappropriate, but that what is expected of a lot of people is very high. It is not uncommon for someone to suddenly decide they don’t want to share their story because they are overwhelmed talking about it. It’s hard to have screening when there are this many resources and this many people suffering.”