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Floods Recovery

Stress and Wellbeing - Coping in times of Crisis or Disaster

Most people involved in a traumatic incident experience some kind of emotional reaction. Although each person’s experience is different, there are a number of common responses that are experienced by the majority of those involved. It is reassuring to know that, even though these feelings can be very unpleasant, they are normal reactions in a normal person to an abnormal event.

You are not losing your mind or going crazy if you have these feelings. It is often difficult for those who were not involved to understand what the survivor is going through; you may wish to show this pamphlet to friends and relatives, and perhaps discuss your reactions with them.

Speed bump sign in floodwaters
James J Laws Photography - Emerald

Fact Sheets

We all respond differently to disturbing or distressing events. These fact sheets aim to help you identify some of the common signs of stress in yourself and/or loved ones, provide tips for coping and suggest when professional help may be required.

Sandbagged house
James J Laws Photography - Emerald

Seek professional help if:

  • your emotions or physical symptoms are too intense or persistent
  • you feel too numb, cut off or you have to keep active in order not to feel
  • you continue to have nightmares, poor sleep or ‘flashbacks’
  • your family, social or work relationships suffer
  • sexual problems develop
  • you experience loss of memory and concentration
  • your performance suffers at school, work or at home
  • you have accidents or illness
  • you increase smoking, drinking or drug taking
  • you have no one to talk to about your experience
  • you have lost faith in yourself or the world.

Remember that all responses are NORMAL to an ABNORMAL situation.

Emerald bridge under water
James J Laws Photography - Emerald

Getting Help

The most important thing to remember is that you, your family and your community are not alone. Support is available through a number of Queensland Government agencies and community organisations.

There are a number of ways of seeking help for distress related to the floods:

Lifeline Call 13 11 14
Lifeline Australia provides services from 59 locations. Lifeline Centres maintain a telephone counselling service in addition to providing information, referral and associated services in local areas.
Salvos Salvo care line call 1300 36 36 22
Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) volunteers are currently supporting evacuees and emergency workers in flood-affected areas of Emerald in Queensland, with provision of meals and refreshments.
Red Cross Call 1800 733 111
The Australian Red Cross has a number free information booklets and fact sheets on recovering from a disaster and cleaning up after a flood. To obtain a copy of the booklets visit the 'After an emergency: what now?' section of the website or call Australian Red Cross on 1800 733 111.

Help and more information may also be obtained from your general practitioner, local Community Health Centre or local Mental Health Service. Please refer to the White Pages telephone directory.

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Last Updated: 29 January 2008
Last Reviewed: 29 January 2008