read all NY Times 1/16/25 letters to the editor
To the Editor:
I read “Living Through Wildfires Leaves Psychological Scars” (news article, Jan. 10) with great interest. However, I was disappointed by its heavy emphasis on “lasting psychological harm,” “anxiety” and “post-traumatic stress disorder,” while neglecting an equally important message: Most people are resilient.
Study after study, across countries and contexts, has shown that people are remarkably resilient in the face of adversity. Even amid the devastation caused by the Los Angeles fires, the human spirit’s capacity to endure, recover and thrive is a powerful story that deserves attention.
It is also worth emphasizing that a key factor in fostering resilience is support. Strong connections with family, friends and community members are vital in helping people navigate trauma and emerge stronger. In these difficult times, encouraging individuals to seek support, offer help and build networks of care is crucial. These acts of connection and compassion are what resilient people do and what allow communities to heal together.
By focusing mainly on the psychological scars of wildfires, we risk overshadowing this hopeful truth. Sharing stories of resilience alongside accounts of trauma can inspire readers and empower them with tools to face their challenges. It is not about denying the difficulties but showing that even in the darkest times, recovery and growth are possible.
Caren Baruch-Feldman
Scarsdale, N.Y.
The writer, a psychologist, is the author of “The Grit Guide for Teens” and a co-author of “The Resilience Workbook for Kids.”