mental health during & after a natural disaster

It's common to need support when experiencing a natural disaster, like a storm, flood or a bushfire. Find information and services for young people, families or community organisations.

In the immediate days following a critical incident

There is no right or wrong way to react following a critical incident. Some young people might feel sadness and seek connection, while others might feel numb or disconnected. Young people can be more vulnerable to the effects of critical incidents due to developmental factors and potential exposure to graphic content witnessed in person or online.

Life can change significantly during and after a critical incident, even if we weren’t directly involved.
•    Direct exposure might include witnessing the event, experiencing harm, or the loss of safety or loved ones.
•    Indirect exposure can occur through hearing stories from family and friends or through media coverage (radio, television, newspapers, social media).

Both direct and indirect exposure can have an immediate and lasting impact on mental health and wellbeing.

Common reactions can include disrupted sleep, changes in eating patterns, difficulties with relationships, and challenges with routine activities like schooling. 

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Support for young people

The stress from natural disasters is tough. It’s important to take time to check in and do things to look after yourself, which can also put you in a better place to support your family and community as well. Learn strategies to cope with stress from natural disasters. 

 

Chat to a mental health professional

  • Connect with eheadspace to speak 1-on-1 with a mental health professional for free on webchat, phone or email. Available 3pm – 10pm everyday.

 

Articles and videos

 

Group chat transcripts

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Support for families

Natural disasters may cause some young people to feel stressed, anxious or concerned. Checking in with your young person is an important way family can help young people feel supported during these times. Listen to your young person’s concerns and where you can, help them to feel prepared and calm. It’s crucial that you look after yourself during this time too and model self-care behaviour for your young person.

 

Chat to a mental health professional

  • Connect with eheadspace to talk about what's going on with your young person. Talk online or over the phone to a trained clinician for 1-on-1 support. Available 3pm - 10pm . It’s a confidential, free and a safe space.

 

Articles and videos

 

Group chat transcripts

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Support for educators and community organisations  

Communities can be rocked by disasters or critical events, which can have long-lasting effects on the mental health and wellbeing of young people and those around them. headspace can provide timely capability and support to communities so you can respond and recover from crisis situations.

What we do:

  • Provide organisations with tailored advice and consultation
  • Provide direct response and recovery natural disaster support
  • Connect individuals and organisations with local and national natural disaster services and support

 

Programs and workshops for schools 

Be You - the mental health in education initiative delivered by Beyond Blue in collaboration with Early Childhood Australia and headspace. Be You provides Australian educators with knowledge, tools, and resources to create positive, inclusive, and responsive learning communities. 

 

 

Further information

If you are working in local organisations/councils/schools and are looking for support on how to manage your response, email: schools&communities@headspace.org.au

 

Articles and fact sheets