[Recurring Floods: The Complex Relationship Between Mental Health and the Difficult Decision to Stay or Leave]

Objectives This article presents part of the results of a study examining the recovery process of individuals repeatedly affected by flooding, conducted as part of the lead author's master's research. The study focuses specifically on the factors influencing the decision to stay in or leave one's home and neighborhood after recurrent flooding events, and how these factors are closely linked to the mental health of flood-affected individuals. Method Adopting a phenomenological qualitative approach, the study is based on the lived experiences of 14 residents of Pointe-Gatineau who experienced multiple floods (2017, 2019, and for some, 2023). Of these, 9 participants remained in the neighborhood after all 3 flood events, while 5 left following the 2019 floods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture the complexity of their experiences. Results Data analysis indicates that several factors influence the decision to stay or leave, including attachment to one's home and the natural and built environment, financial situation, stress experienced during the floods, and adaptation strategies developed after repeated flooding. Depending on individual experiences, some factors play a more decisive role than others. Each factor impacts the mental health of the participants, so the ultimate decision to stay or leave reflects a pursuit of restoring or preserving emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Discussion/Conclusion The findings show that multiple factors shape the decision to stay or leave. Overall, however, most participants feel recovered and view their choice positively, noting that it allowed them to regain or maintain emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The study also highlights growing concerns among residents regarding institutional responses and government policies related to floodplain management, with some fearing potential relocation resulting from the Plan de protection du territoire face aux inondations. These concerns align with other Quebec and international studies emphasizing the need to incorporate identity and affective dimensions into land-use and flood management policies.