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How to Cope with the Stress of a Natural Disaster

It is common to need support after being in or witnessing an event that may be traumatic, such as bushfires, flooding, or drought. In the days and weeks after a disaster, it is important to do things that make you feel physically and emotionally safe. It can help to:

Find ways to connect with others, especially those who help you feel OK and support your wellbeing. This can include family and friends, in-person, or online connections.
Engage in activities that promote a sense of calm and feeling grounded (use of alcohol and other drugs can be counterproductive with this). Look for ways to include some routine and try to re-engage with things you enjoyed prior to the disaster as much as possible (e.g., playing games or sports, hobbies, etc.).
Explore ways to get involved with repair and recovery of your community. This can help give you a sense of hope, which is important to recovery.
Be mindful of exposure to traumatic information through stories, traditional and social media. It can be helpful to take regular breaks from the 24-hour news cycle.

Some people may need to access professional support to navigate ongoing wellbeing challenges. Sometimes it can be hard to know when it’s time to seek professional support or it can be a scary to think about contacting a mental health or wellbeing service or professional, especially if it’s your first time. The key message here is that it is ok to ask for help and support.