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Maya Russell, a spokeswoman for the Canadian Mental Health Association, said for many British Columbians the smoke is causing anxiety about climate change.

“Climate change is abstract, but when you can see it in the form of pollution and smoke, you are taking something that felt far away and bringing it right up close,” she said.

Also, such a long stretch of poor air quality is unprecedented in Metro Vancouver, and that can cause a feeling of losing control, she added.

Photo by DARRYL DYCK / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Breathing can be a tool to manage anxiety, but if people are scared about what they are breathing in the air, that could cause them to become even more anxious, she said.

Russell says there are ways to mitigate that anxiety. The first is to remind yourself that the smoke is temporary and the sky will return to normal. Environment Canada expected the conditions to improve by Friday, as a new weather system moved in and pushed marine air through the region.

Another tip is to practise mindfulness so you understand why you feel anxious. If the fear of climate change becomes overwhelming, she said try making small changes to feel more in control.

“We can’t single-handedly fix climate change,” she said, but suggested changes such as leaving the car at home one day a week. She noted that with climate change it’s important not to pass feelings of hopelessness or doom on to children in the home.

When people stay indoors because of the air, they can become isolated, so she advised hanging out with friends or going somewhere you can exercise indoors.