Managing your mental health during and after a natural disaster

Symptoms you may experience

During an emergency, and when returning home, it is important to look after yourself.

It is normal to experience a range of emotions if you are affected by a disaster. You may experience these emotions immediately after the event, during, or sometimes much later. Your sleep, mood and daily routines might be affected.

If you experience distress that interferes with your day-to-day activities, you should seek support.

Some things that can help you cope during this time:

• spend time with family and friends
• get back to a routine but don’t push yourself or work too hard
• continue a healthy lifestyle (eat well, sleep and exercise if you can)
• do things to help you relax as much as you can
• accept help when it’s offered
• limit the amount of media coverage you see and hear.

Where to find support

Talking to your doctor or regular health care provider is a good first step. If you can't speak to your doctor, find another doctor or health service near you through Healthdirect.

There are a range of mental health support services available. They provide confidential support and advice on how to deal with different types of mental health issues.

Telephone counselling and support

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

You can call the following free services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
• 13YARN, run by Aboriginal people, on 13 92 76
• Transcultural Mental Health Line, for support in your language, on 1800 648 911
• Mental Health Helpline on 1800 011 511 to speak to a specialist mental health service
• Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 provides a counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25
• Headspace is a national service for young people, their family and friends.
• Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978 or via online chat is for men with family and relationship concerns
• 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 is a national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service
• Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS) NSW on 1800 250 015 provides counselling, support and referrals for those affected by alcohol or other drugs
• Salvation Army Emergency Services team provides emotional and spiritual support to people affected by disasters.

For more support services and their contact information, visit the NSW Health website.

Local support after natural disasters

Specialist mental health Disaster Recovery Clinicians are available in affected regions across NSW. To get in contact with a Disaster Recovery Clinician, contact the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.

The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) provides information and links to mental health support for people affected by natural disasters. Contact your local RAMHP Coordinator to find help in your local area. You can also access fact sheets, podcasts and self-help tools on the RAMHP website.

Northern Rivers Safe Haven hubs

Safe Haven North Coast hubs offer free professional mental health services to the local community. They support people in immediate distress and those who are feeling overwhelmed or vulnerable.

You don't need an appointment or referral. Hubs are now open in the Woodburn, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah and Lismore areas.

Support during drought

NSW DroughtHub – The hub provides resources to support your wellbeing during and after drought.

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) – This program offers mental health information and links to people in rural and regional NSW.

Rural Agribusiness Wellbeing Plan – Information to support your mental health.

Rural Aid – Free and confidential support to farmers and their families.

Active Farmers – This non-profit brings people together through group fitness and other activities.

Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

If you need to talk to someone you can:

• speak to your doctor or Aboriginal Health Worker
• visit your local Aboriginal Medical Service​
• call 13YARN, run by Aboriginal people, on 13 92 76.

Yarn Safe is part of Headspace. It also offers mental health information for young people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.