Doomsday prepping: When preparedness becomes a health concern

A few weeks ago, Costco began selling 25-year shelf-life ‘apocalypse buckets’ that contain 150 meals and 40 beverages.^[]The purpose, according to the manufacturer, Readywise, is to provide “readiness in the face of uncertainty.”

The buckets went viral on social media.^[] Between the increasingly volatile political landscape, effects of climate change, and upticks in natural disasters, it often feels like we are in end times. But does this mean it’s time to start building bunkers and hoarding freeze-dried food for an apocalypse? 

Here’s when preparing for the unknown makes sense—and what to do if prepping starts consuming your life.

When does doomsday prepping become a reason for concern?

Doomsday prepping isn’t new.^[] In 1999, for example, people stocked up on food and water out of fear that the year 2000—aka Y2K—would wipe out computer systems around the world.^[] Prepping, again, became popular during the economic crisis under President Barack Obama’s term.^[] More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend. Research has shown, for example, that the pandemic drove many people to stockpile supplies like food, toilet paper, and cleaning products.^[]

On one hand, being prepared can offer a sense of control and safety. “Preparedness, in moderation, is both practical and advisable,” says Jessica Lamar, PsyD, LMHC, LPC, a mental health counselor and Co-Founder of Bellevue Trauma Recovery Center. Having a basic emergency kit—with essentials like food, water, and first aid supplies—is often recommended by safety organizations, especially in areas that are prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes. “This level of preparedness can provide peace of mind and is a responsible measure that ensures you and your family can weather unexpected events with less stress and more safety,” says Dr. Lamar.

For some people, however, prepping can become all-consuming. Kristie Tse, LMHC, a psychotherapist and the founder of Uncover Mental Health Counseling in New York, says that doomsday prepping often stems from a place of anxiety and fear about the future.^[]“As a psychotherapist, I encounter individuals who become increasingly fixated on potential disasters, leading to behaviors that may be concerning,” Tse tells MDLinx. Some people invest a lot of time in collecting supplies and building shelters—so much, in fact, that it can start to negatively impact their relationships and daily functioning. 

If a person becomes obsessed with preparing for future apocalyptic outcomes, it might be time to intervene and provide professional support to address their underlying fears and help them adopt healthier coping mechanisms, says Tse. 

Here’s how a counselor can help care for someone consumed by doomsday prepping

When preparing for the unknown triggers feelings of anxiety or disrupts daily living, it’s probably time to seek help from a certified professional. Ultimately, healthy planning should provide a sense of safety, not fear. 

Tse says she’s seen patients who initially felt empowered by their plans, but, over time, became obsessive about potential disasters. “If you or someone you know spends excessive time gathering supplies to the point that it interferes with work, relationships, or overall well-being, that could be a signal to reach out,” Tse says. 

By identifying these behaviors early and working with a therapist, people can adopt healthier coping mechanisms and work toward restoring perspective and balance. Counselors may use techniques like cognitive restructuring, in which irrational thoughts related to potential disasters are challenged, or help people set manageable goals based on off safety and security rather than fear and worry. 

Ultimately, “finding balance is key,” Dr. Lamar says. Yes, it’s important to be prepared—you never know what might happen—but not at the expense of your mental health.