Natural Disasters and Mental Heath
- Beyond Blue
It's common for communities and individuals affected by a disaster to experience a range of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that can be intense, confusing and frightening. Fear, for example, is an important and normal reaction that helps activate our body and mind to make decisions to protect our own life and the lives of loved ones. It's important to know the difference between a common reaction to a stressful or traumatic event and signs that indicate you should seek more support.
Common reactions
These reactions can be severe and are at their worst in the first week after the event, however, in most cases, they fade over a month.
These reactions include:
feeling overwhelmed
feeling numb and detached
inability to focus
inability to plan ahead
constant tearfulness
intrusive memories or bad dreams related to the event
sleep disturbances
constant questioning – "What if I had done x, y or z, instead?"
'replaying' the event and inventing different outcomes in order to be prepared should it happen again.
It is also important to understand that a friend, loved one or work colleague may see these reactions in you, often when you do not. They may see you are detached, unfocused, anxious, or tearful without provocation. Listen to the opinions of people that you trust. It is a sign of respect to friends and family to act on their advice and discuss these issues with a GP or mental health professional.
Beyond a common reaction
If you experience any of these symptoms at any time, seek help from a GP or mental health professional:
a sense that your emotional and/or physical reactions are not normal
thoughts of self-harm or of ending your life
loss of hope or interest in the future
avoiding things that bring back memories of what happened to the point where you're unable to carry out day-to-day tasks
frequently being easily startled e.g. jumping when a door slams, and then taking a long time to calm down
feeling overwhelming fear for no obvious reason
panic attack symptoms: increased heart rate, breathlessness, shakiness, dizziness and a sudden urge to go to the toilet
excessive guilt about things that were or weren't said and done.
While in many instances access to help and mental health support after a disaster is often really challenging - we are fortunate to be able to offer constant and FREE support.
Wardell’s Wellbeing Program offers a dedicated space for professional counselling services and qualified mental health supporters for the community and Wardell district.
Our facilities and programs are an essential asset for our community’s recovery and mental health. We are privileged to have the support of supported by Healthy North Coast to be able to provide this safe and welcoming space and offer a range of support with our amazing team of registered counsellors and mental health workers.
We provide a drop-in centre, appointments on demand and referral services available 5 days a week. We can also offer outcalls and outreach or consultation by phone. Our mental health services are free, discreet and confidential. You can come and talk to our professional team at any time for help, advice or support or just drop in for a cuppa and a chat.
Drop in at any time phone 0432 563 380 or email wellbeing@wardellcore.community
