Title: Mental health impacts of Hurricane Fiona in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Journal: Next Sustainability
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w18070777
Abstract: Extreme climate events are increasingly linked to acute stress and mental health disorders, yet limited research exists for Atlantic Canada. On September 23, 2022, Hurricane Fiona struck Prince Edward Island (PEI) as a record-setting post-tropical storm, causing severe wind damage, flooding, and widespread infrastructure loss. This study examined the immediate mental health impacts of Hurricane Fiona on PEI residents and identified community priorities for strengthening resilience to future climate extremes.
In disaster contexts, mental health outcomes are often shaped not only by direct exposure to the hazard but also by secondary stressors that follow the event. Disruptions to infrastructure, prolonged power outages, damage to homes and landscapes, and barriers to accessing health services can act as pathways contributing to psychological distress. These cascading stressors may amplify anxiety, sleep disruption, and feelings of helplessness among affected populations. In this study, Hurricane Fiona is examined not only as a physical event but also as a series of secondary stressors that influenced the mental well-being of Prince Edward Island residents.
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