Navigating the storm: the mental health impacts of natural disasters

With the recent extreme weather events and major flooding in parts of North/Central Queensland, we know that natural disasters are an unfortunate reality for many regional Queenslanders. From cyclones to floods, these events not only damage properties and communities, but they can also have lasting effects on your mental wellbeing.

Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are among the common mental health challenges faced by those dealing with the aftermath of cyclones and floods.

According to Beyond Blue, common reactions immediately after a natural disaster can include:

• feeling overwhelmed
• feeling numb and detached
• inability to focus
• inability to plan ahead
• constant tearfulness
• feeling angry
• intrusive memories or bad dreams related to the event
• sleep disturbances
• constant questioning – "What if I had done x, y or z, instead?"
• 'replaying' the event and inventing different outcomes to be prepared should it happen again.

Feelings beyond a “normal reaction” need support and it is recommended to seek help from your GP or a mental health professional. These can include:

• a sense that your emotional and/or physical reactions are not normal
• thoughts of self-harm or of ending your life
• loss of hope or interest in the future
• avoiding things that bring back memories of what happened to the point where you're unable to carry out day-to-day tasks
• frequently being easily startled e.g. jumping when a door slams, and then taking a long time to calm down
• feeling overwhelming fear for no obvious reason
• panic attack symptoms: increased heart rate, breathlessness, shakiness, dizziness and a sudden urge to go to the toilet
• excessive guilt about things that were or weren't said and done.

Seeking support early is a great way to overcome the lasting mental health impacts and can provide you with the tools and strategies to cope when challenges arise.

• selectability offers a range of services throughout regional Queensland to support locals who are impacted by wellbeing and mental health challenges.
• Lifeline offers 24/7 counselling. Phone 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114 or access web chat.
• 1300 MH CALL is a confidential mental health telephone triage service for Queensland’s public mental health services. Phone 1300 64 22 55.
• Beyond Blue provides information online and also a support service 24/7 via 1300 224 636 as well as online chat, email and forums.
• Wellways helpline provides support and referrals for people experiencing issues with their mental health, and their families, friends and carers. All helpline volunteers are ‘peers’—people who have a lived experience of mental health issues. Phone 1300 111 500 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 9:00pm (except public holidays).