Providing care in times of community crisis
Disaster recovery
Remember that feeling stressed and emotional during a crisis is normal, so be kind to yourself and others
Australia is a country that experiences many unfortunate natural disasters, from bushfires, to flooding or extreme storms. With the past flood emergencies in North Queensland and devastating bushfires in Victoria, Lifeline Australia reminds the community to connect with care during and after natural disasters.
Trauma reaction to natural disasters may occur immediately after the event or in the weeks and months following. Trauma can be felt by people immediately involved, people who have experienced similar situations in their past or even people disconnected to the event.
Lifeline’s telephone crisis support service continues to be available 24 hours a day for anyone needing support during a crisis. This page also provides some helpful resources that may assist you or your family.
Some quick tips for dealing with trauma are:
- Remember that feeling stressed and emotional during a crisis is normal, so be kind to yourself and others
- Be patient, take regular emotional breaks, switch off the news and take it easy for a short time, this will help you maintain your capacity to cope
- Don’t push yourself or others around you too hard
- Reduce short term expectations, don’t criticise others reactions, and realise that people cope with events differently
- Ensure your physical wellbeing is looked after, eat, drink and rest as best as you can
- Realise that even if you are not directly affected, the event may still have an impact on your mental and emotional health and wellbeing
- Understand that you are not alone, that you can always find caring support from organisations like Lifeline on
13 11 14.
Helpful resources:
The following PDF tool kits provide self-help information and tips for coping with the aftermath of a natural disaster. You can download them in PDF format below or visit our Mental Health Resource Centre for more self-help tool kits and fact sheets.
Download Tool kit: Helping your children cope with the after effects of a natural disaster
Download Tool kit: Coping with loss and change in a community after a natural disaster
Other bushfire support information & resources:
This site includes resources designed primarily for survivors to help them cope with their distress and the psychological reactions that typically emerge after such a traumatic experience. It also contains resources that are designed primarily for those working to assist survivors cope with immediate and short-term distress, emphasising the value of basic practical and emotional support.
This site provides information relating to practical issues for survivors as well as information relating to trauma, grief & treatment, as well as containing links to other support organisations.
Reach out provides a young persons fact sheet containing information on ways to cope and/or help with the disaster for anyone whether or not they were directly affected by the fires as well as further links to other support and information services.
This ‘Tips for Parents & Teachers’ handout from the National Association of School Psychologists offers suggestions for what to do when facing disasters and tragedy of national significance.
Emergency support numbers
Lifeline 24 hour telephone crisis support service
For emotional support call 13 11 14 . If life is in danger contact emergency services such as Police or Ambulance on 000.
Victorian Bushfire Information Line
For specific information concerning the fires in Victoria, call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line (VBIL) on freecall 1800 240 667. Callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech / communication impairment may call textphone/telewriter (TTY) on 1800 122 969. Information is also available at Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment or Country Fire Authority
Queensland Department of Communities Disaster Recovery Hotline
Individuals from areas affected by the North Queensland floods may be eligible for financial support and can obtain more information regarding their entitlements by contacting the Queensland Department of Communities Disaster Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
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