What are the psychological impacts of living with volcanic risk?

Living with volcanic risk can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, fear, and a sense of insecurity.

Living in areas prone to volcanic activity can have significant psychological impacts on individuals and communities. One of the most common impacts is chronic stress. This is a long-term form of stress that stems from living in constant fear of a potential volcanic eruption. It can lead to a range of physical health problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure, as well as mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Anxiety is another common psychological impact of living with volcanic risk. This can manifest in various ways, from generalised anxiety disorder, which is a persistent worry about a range of things, to specific phobias, such as the fear of volcanoes or eruptions. Anxiety can be particularly acute during periods of increased volcanic activity, but it can also be a constant background worry for those living in at-risk areas.

Fear is a natural response to the threat of a volcanic eruption, and it can have a profound impact on people's mental health. This fear can be exacerbated by the unpredictability of volcanic activity, as well as the potential for catastrophic damage. It can lead to sleep problems, panic attacks, and other mental health issues.

Living with volcanic risk can also create a sense of insecurity. This can stem from the uncertainty of not knowing when or if an eruption will occur, as well as the potential for displacement if an eruption does happen. This sense of insecurity can affect people's mental wellbeing, leading to feelings of helplessness and a lack of control over their own lives.

In addition to these individual impacts, living with volcanic risk can also have broader community-level impacts. It can create a shared sense of threat and vulnerability, which can lead to increased social cohesion as people come together to prepare for and respond to potential eruptions. However, it can also lead to social tension and conflict, particularly around issues of risk management and evacuation planning.