Strategies to help you manage the stress of natural disasters

Learning to listen to your body and recognising the signs of stress is the first step in understanding how to take care of yourself. Take notice of any changes in your physical health, your behaviours or your emotions that might indicate that things are getting too much for you. Listen to concerns from loved ones about your wellbeing or behaviour. Seek help immediately if you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself.

Talking calmly and openly to someone you trust about how you’re feeling allows you to release negative emotions and helps to relieve tension. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you know, telephone helplines like Lifeline and online options (e.g. email, online chat, forums) are also available for confidential support and advice. Remember, during bushfires, flooding and extreme climate events, everyone in the community is likely to be experiencing similar emotions, so talking to family members, friends and neighbours can help everyone to release negative feelings and come up with practical ways of managing their stress and dealing with the situation.

Talk to your GP about your situation and let them know if you’ve experienced any negative changes in how you feel. Your doctor can provide useful advice on how to manage stress and give you referrals to other services that might be able to offer you support.

Eat healthy food, get at least eight hours of sleep each night and exercise regularly. Limit intake of alcohol and other drugs, as these can leave you feeling worse - agitated and anxious, flat or unmotivated. Remember to take time out to relax – read a book, listen to music, watch a movie or try something new, like yoga or meditation. It’s also important to do fun activities that you enjoy, both on your own and with family and friends. Spending time with friends and family helps to prevent isolation and loneliness.

Research shows that people with strong connections with family, friends and their community cope best in times of crisis. A strong support network reduces your sense of isolation and gives you people to talk to when things get rough. It takes strength and courage to ask for and receive help from others, but people are usually more than happy to help! Make a list of where to go for different types of help and advice and keep it in a handy place.

Try to keep the rest of your life as normal as possible during the period of stress; establish a daily routine with regular times for sleep, meals, being sociable and physical 6 activity.

Some people who experience natural disasters may feel helpless and hopeless. If you or someone you know is experiencing distress or thoughts of suicide, help is available. Seek immediate support by talking to someone you trust, contacting Lifeline (13 11 14) or other support services. If life is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000).