The findings from the 2025 report show that anxiety about extreme weather is increasingly shaping how Australians live, work, and connect. While concern is widespread, it is more pronounced among certain groups, including women, parents of children under 18, Generation Z, people experiencing financial stress, and those who have lived through multiple extreme weather events. 

Overall, extreme weather is emerging as a cumulative and systemic pressure on mental health - deepening existing inequalities, influencing major life decisions, and gradually weakening the social connections people rely on for support.

The research presents a picture of a society under sustained strain, adapting and withdrawing in response to intersecting crises. The ongoing threat, uncertainty and media coverage surrounding these events continue to cause distress and anxiety for many Australians. The mental health impacts of these events extend beyond direct exposure, with many affected by the ongoing anticipation of future extreme weather events. The findings from this report will support Lifeline ongoing work to highlight the mental health impacts of extreme weather, strengthen preparedness, and identify gaps in available supports.

Lifeline and NRMA Insurance have partnered to deepen understanding of the mental health impacts of extreme weather. By bringing together Lifeline's crisis support expertise and NRMA Insurance's commitment to community preparedness, the partnership strengthens resilience and helps ensure Australians feel supported before, during and after natural disasters and extreme weather. This led to the development of the Natural Disasters Toolkit within Lifeline's Support Toolkit, offering practical guidance to help individuals and communities prepare for, respond to and recover from extreme weather events. Explore the Natural Disasters Toolkit to access support for yourself, your family or your community.