
If the bushfires have affected your sleep patterns, we have some tips and programs to help you get a good night’s sleep
Across the country we are all either directly or indirectly experiencing the impact of bushfires. Natural disasters such as bushfires can sometimes undermine our capacity to cope but they are also an opportunity for us to show our resilience. In the short term, it is quite normal to experience feelings of helplessness and at times find the situation overwhelming.
There are a number of strategies we can all use:
If recent events are triggering distressing emotions or PTSD symptoms remember that these are symptoms that you have managed in the past. The first step to dealing with triggers is acknowledging the impact they are having and having a plan to lessen the impact.
There are number of simple strategies that can be utilised and resources on the internet to assist you to put these into practice. These include:
If you are struggling to use these strategies it can help to talk to someone. You can call Open Arms on 1800 011 064 to get some hints and ideas. You do not have to come in for counselling to get this support, you can simply call our Open Arms Client Assist Centre for a chat.
If the bushfires have affected your sleep patterns, we have some tips and programs to help you get a good night’s sleep
Phoenix Australia provides information on how people react to and recover from trauma. Visit their website to find out how to help yourself or someone else after trauma.
Head to Health is a digital mental health gateway providing information on mental health resources, with a page tailored for veterans and their families. The site links to resources about recovery after a disaster.
Australian Psychological Society has some helpful tips on coping with natural disasters. There are a range of fact sheets for problem solving, staying connected, and the importance of coping behaviours
Black Dog Institute delivers numerous mental health resources including self–help tools and apps to better understand and face the challenges you may come across.
Emerging Minds have created a toolkit with resources to help and support adults and children experiencing a disaster. The recourses will help in understanding impacts of disasters and how you can help lessen the impacts.