The natural world is unpredictable and natural disasters or extreme weather events can create a sense of fear, uncertainty, and loss. Even once the immediate danger has passed individuals may face long-term effects, such as widespread feelings of loss, financial stress, and a threatened sense of predictability, security or stability.
Following the recent floods along the east coast of Australia, many people are dealing with the aftermath. Digital interventions offer affordable and accessible mental health information, tools and treatments.
eMHPrac (eMental Health in Practice) is a government funded project raising awareness and knowledge among health professionals on digital mental health. The team have compiled a list of resources on preventing and managing mental health issues after a natural disaster such as a flood, bushfire, earthquake, extreme storm, cyclone, or drought. They include phone services, information, sites, tools and online treatment programs to support the mental health of individuals, families and communities after a natural disaster.
Head to Health
Head to Health is the Australian Government’s digital mental health gateway connecting Australians to evidence-based and peer-reviewed online resources from trusted mental health organisations. The website includes information and resources on SEQ and New South Wales flood support including 24/7 immediate support for children and young people, adults and workplaces, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities, and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities.
Visit the Head to Health website at https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/SEQ-and-NSW-Floods to explore their full list of available resources.
Phone Services
Phone and online counselling services provide support for a range of issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. They provide a safe environment to discuss an individual’s own worries, the wellbeing of those around them and support through recovery from a natural disaster.
Beyond Blue
Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/natural-disasters-and-youth-mental-health
Phone: 1800 224 636
Telephone, online and email counselling and website on natural disasters and your mental health. Their website includes information on common reactions, when to seek further support, dealing with the emotional impacts, and supporting someone else through a natural disaster.
Kids Helpline
Website: https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/coping-natural-disasters
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Free, confidential 24hr counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years old and their parents, offering support by phone, email and over the web. Their website also includes information for teens and young adults on coping with natural disasters.
Information Sites
There are a wide variety of website providing information, advice and tips for mental health concerns. These services help answer individuals’ questions, share lived-experience stories and help people manage their wellbeing following a natural disaster, in addition to connecting them with available mental health treatment, worksheets, guides and toolkits.
Australian Psychological Society
Website: https://psychology.org.ay/getmedia/c1846704-2fa3-41ae-bf53-7a7451af6246/red-cross-psychological-first-aid-disasters.pdf
Resources for health professionals and consumers on mental health issues. Their website includes a downloadable First Aid guide for people affected by disaster.
Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health
Website: https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/
A range of information, factsheets and other self-help resources to assist those affected by trauma or wanting to assist others who have been affected by trauma, including natural disasters.
Online Programs
Online programs can be therapist-supported or self-guided and help people work through their mental health concerns such as worry, stress, anxiety, grief and loss. Many online programs are based on CBT principles which participants can complete at their own pace, working through a series of steps, modules, or workbooks.
Birdie’s Tree (Children’s Health QLD)
Website: https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/natural-disaster-recovery/
A suite of resources to help parents, carers, and young children prepare for, cope with, and recover from natural disasters. Lists therapeutic games, storybooks, and early childhood curriculum.
Black Dog Institute Bushfire Support Service
Website: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/bush-fire-support-service/
Free quick mental health check, providing insights and recommendations to support Emergency Service Workers and their loved ones.
Discover more resources for managing your mental health, or supporting someone else through recovery after a natural disaster by downloading eMHPrac’s Managing Your Mental Health After a Natural Disaster
