Coping with bushfires

[Sophie_M]

Beyond Blue would like all individuals accessing our online forums in relation to Australia’s bushfire crisis to know that we are here for them.

If you’re feeling worried, we want you to know that it’s okay and you are not alone.

The impacts of this crisis will be ongoing and everyone will have different experiences, thoughts, feelings and emotions.

Even if you haven't been directly affected by these fires you may still feel sad, overwhelmed, stressed and upset.

We hope that you will use this safe, understanding space to talk, share and support one another on a united front.

It can be difficult to know what to say in times like these.

The forum community have been engaging in discussions that you may find helpful: Are you managing to be ok with all these dreadful bushfires?

You may wish to share what you are doing to help cope, or simply to share your experience with others.

Beyond Blue has developed a dedicated resource about bushfires and mental health, including practical advice about dealing with the emotional impact of bushfires, information about the signs and symptoms of emotional distress, tips for supporting children and young people, and links to several useful websites.

Taking care of yourself:

• Limit your exposure to social media – it’s okay to have a break and it’s important you make sure you’re not becoming overwhelmed.
• Speak with our friendly forum community about how you’re feeling
• Set realistic goals that keep you motivated, but don't take on too much (most people in this situation talk of recovery as a journey not a sprint)
• Give yourself time

Seeking help when you are in a bushfire affected area:

• Follow the advice of your local state fire services if you are in a bushfire affected area.
  State fire services:
  NSW RFS
  QLD RFS
  VIC
  SA
  TAS
  NT
  WA
  ACT

• If you require emergency support please contact 000

As a community, let’s help one another through sharing and connecting during this difficult time. This could be by listing links to articles or resources you have found helpful, tips for what is working to help you manage or sharing your thoughts, feelings or experience related to the bushfire crisis.  

Whatever it may be, we're here. 

[blondguy]

Hey Quirky

As Elizabeth mentioned above the coronavirus has shifted the focus from one major event to another...and this is painful especially when so many have been directly affected by these awful wildfires as you have

Local council here in Melbourne's southern suburbs will not allow my neighbor to cut down a gumtree on their nature strip as its a 'Native' specie...

Eucalyptus trees dont just burn...they are highly flammable yet permission to cut them down is still denied

They just dont get it Quirky...even after these catastrophic fires

your thoughts?

Paul

[quirkywords]

Paul,and everyone reading

I do t know much about trees.
i do know in my old village people are living in tents and caravans as their homes burnt down but they have no access to grants.

t o get help you need access to a computer and computer skills.

i have both but was overwhelmed and was lucky my son could help.

i have given my own money to help people who have very little.

People are traumatised and not getting help as they can’t tick all the boxes.

thanks for caring Paul.

the mental health issues arising from the fires and the. corona virus are and will be massive.

quirky

[Me_Myself]

I know it's now late April and I have been telling everyone ( and trying to fool myself) that I am fine after the fires but this week I have been completely overwhelmed with emotional exhaustion and finally broke down after lashing out at someone who didn't deserve it.
My husband & I lost everything - house, sheds, all fencing....but were blessed to see our cattle & horse survive (a saving grace). We both continued to fight fires and assist on getting fodder out to our surrounding neighbours and have endured some horrific scenes & situations that put our own lives at risk.
I am on here as I am unsure I can physically go and see someone and I need not to be pitied but just write the things that are going on in my head down.
The struggle to obtain grants, some insurance is beyond difficult and it continues to be a daily challenge to hold it all together while reliving it with each company that I have to deal with explaining "why" I am trying to get assistance.

We are in the process of waiting for government cleanup, and the "unknown" dates that they keep telling us, as we are more remote than others currently on the cleanup list, is just another kick in guts. Its difficult to have to visually see all the destruction on our property that I have had to make the decision to stay away from our beautiful place. I am now away from my husband as I cannot handle my emotions any more.

It has helped reading a few of your posts everyone, and I am grateful for this forum to be able to write some emotions down.

Stay safe everyone and let hope that the powers to be have learnt a valuable lesson out of what transpired with the bushfires and take the appropriate actions and changes needed in the future so as we never have to have others experience the horrific nature that was encountered.

Love to you all xxx

[quirkywords]

Me&Myself

Welcome to the forum and this thread.

I relate to your post as my house my business/shop was destroyed by bushfires on NYE2019 and my life has not been the same. I had no family in my old place so I moved away and now feel lost with my business and my home.

I too know how many obstacles are out in my way from govt and charities to try and get help.You get asked so many silly questions over and over. I often ended in tears just trying to prove I needed help.

At least my place has been cleaned so feel for you.

Can you get some professional help so you have someone to talk to.

Please feel free to post as often as you like as I will be looking out if you decide to write.

Take care Quirky.

[Elizabeth CP]

Me&Myself & Quirky, I wanted to reach out to both of you and anyone else reading who is struggling due to the fires. I often think of you Quirky and hope you are getting some support. I haven't written much on this thread because thinking of fires triggers such bad flashbacks for me. I am seeing someone for therapy but because of the isolation most of it is on hold. He commented recently on our session via video that this therapy should have been done years ago. If I'd had help soon after the event I would never have got to the point I'm in now and treatment would have been more effective. I'm sharing that to encourage you both to reach out for professional help. The pain and the memories may fade over time but without help they lurk in the background ready to flare up and create havoc when triggered. At least that is my experience.

The rest of the world has moved on focusing on dealing with the virus but the virus just complicates the recovery process from the fires it doesn't stop the pain of those like you both are feeling.

I wish there was something I could do to help I really feel for you both.

[quirkywords]

Elizabeth your words have indeed helped me.

am sorry you did not receive help and therapy when you needed it and are suffering from flashbacks.

I have support but tried one counsellor but she did not have experience in dealing with fires and trauma.

our post reminds us of the importance of getting help.

I know you deal with a lot in your present life. I thank you for thinking of others.

[Doolhof]

HI Everyone,

I've not suffered personally in the recent fires. The region where I was born and where I grew up and where some family still live, was devastated. Seeing photos of the destruction was heart breaking.

People there as elsewhere I am sure, are still living in tents, caravans, shed and where ever they can.

My sister who lives there is very traumatised. Throw the virus on top of that and she is not coping well.

My heart goes out to you all. I hope you can find the help and support you need, now and in the future.

I wish I had the words to convey how much I care for and think of all those who are suffering. Words are just words. Sometimes action is required more than words. I hope the action you need for help comes as well.

Kind regards from Dools

[blondguy]

Hi Quirky

just bumping up this thread as there are still many people that have experienced pain and anguish during these wildfires

Finding a person that is experienced in wildfires and the associated trauma isnt reality . I hope you can discuss your thoughts with a qualified health professional that can help you through the trauma you have experienced

I cant even begin to fathom your pain Quirky...except for the ongoing daily smoke hazard warnings....ugh!

respectfully yours

Paul

Note...I understand that many people are hesitant about seeking help....I was the same..for years

[blondguy]

Hi Quirky and Everyone!

Ive been struggling with an old PC and using my mobile to post without success last night...bear with me

Please share your experiences with the catastrophic bushfires and let us know on scale of 0 to 10 how you have been effected by them...Your voice will help many others that choose to read only and not post

• 1 to 5..........It was an awful period to go through...yet slowly getting back to 'normal'
• 5 to 7..........Not back to 'normal' yet okay considering others have been through worse
• 7 to 9..........Having difficulty coping and waiting for funds to be released to enable rebuilding
• 10 ............Difficulty coping on a daily basis due to personal loss effecting mental health
• 10 +........... Serious trauma through being directly involved with fleeing/fighting the bushfires

All members are welcome to help others by sharing their experiences during this catastrophic event

Paul

[quirkywords]

Paul

thanks for your scale but I find it hard to put my experience as a number. I am not a fan of the word normal. I will think and come up with an answer as to why I cant fit on your scale as my feelings change from day to day and sometimes hour to hour. I will post later as am busy today.

I am an individual so many will find your scale helpful.

Thanks for caring.

Quirky