Philadelphia resident battles lasting environmental trauma from living near a refinery
Sonya Sanders, a Philadelphia resident, grapples with the lasting psychological impact of living near the PES Refinery, a site marked by pollution and health hazards.
Victoria St. Martin reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Sonya Sanders, a resident of South Philadelphia, faces ongoing psychological effects from living next to the PES Refinery, a site of significant pollution.
- Her experiences reflect a broader issue of eco-anxiety and environmental trauma, particularly in communities near industrial hazards.
- Despite moving away and becoming an environmental activist, Sanders continues to struggle with PTSD, a condition increasingly recognized as linked to environmental crises.
Key quote:
"I feel everything closing in. Panic attacks. I feel like my heart races and like I’m having a heart attack but I’m not."
— Sonya Sanders, describing her symptoms of PTSD.
Why this matters:
Sanders' story highlights the often-overlooked mental health impacts of environmental pollution, particularly in marginalized communities. It underscores the need for greater attention to the psychological toll of living in close proximity to industrial hazards and the importance of providing mental health support to those affected by environmental trauma.
Be sure to read: Air pollution can alter our brains in ways that increase mental illness risk
