MesabaCare Clinical Counseling

09/20/2025

08/02/2025

Mental health and wildfire smoke:

The thick wildfire smoke drifting into Minnesota again this summer isn’t just hard on our lungs—it wears on our mental health too. Poor air quality can increase anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and even symptoms of depression. The disruption to our routines—like staying indoors, missing outdoor movement, or feeling trapped—can leave us feeling disconnected, uneasy, or overwhelmed. Add the ongoing stress of climate concerns, and it’s no wonder many of us are feeling the emotional weight.

The good news: there are simple ways to protect your mental well-being while the smoke lingers. Stick to a regular sleep schedule, connect with others (even virtually), and limit your doomscrolling. Try light movement indoors and calming breathing exercises to help your nervous system settle. And most importantly, give yourself permission to feel off—this is a challenging time, and you’re not alone.