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]

Quirky

I don't use the word 'normal' thus the use of inverted commas above.....

People would be striving to regain some 'normalcy' in their lives after the fires....

[quirkywords]

Paul

Sorry my bad eyesight thought it was a mark on the computer.

I just dont now what 'mormalcy' as for me getting back to that would mean having my shop and my old home.

That isnt going to happen for me. If 'normalcy 'means I have somewhere to live and some routine then I have that.

I am lucky to have a place to live but doesnt feel like home.

This is just my opinion and others would feel different.

At the moment there are 2 quirkys, one is competent and plans things volunteers 3 days a week and is chatty and the other quirky is in tears a lot and fragile. Not sure where that would fit on your scale.

Thanks for bumping up the post.

I just have to accept that my life wont ever be the same as before fires and I cope as I can.

I am fortunate I have a roof over my head, I have people who care. I am safe.

[Matchy69]

I was lucky the bush fire missed my property by 5 kms.At one stage I was told it had gone under.I feel for all those who lost everything and it must be hard still for you.

Tale care,

Mark.

[quirkywords]

Mark

I think anyone who lived through the fires this year will be affected.

I find that most people have moved on to covid and dont want to know.

Sometimes it feels I am living someone else's life it is ok but not the life I thought I'd planned.

I wonder how people find their lives are affected 6 months later? Can be a big or a small change.

Take care everyone/

[blondguy]

Hi Quirky

No worries at all 😀

SkyNews reported that many people are still waiting for funds to rebuild! (Through Charitable donations)

That would be an awful place to be in

I hope you are having a good day

my kindest always

Paul

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone!...... Matchy69 and a wave to Quirky..anyone that has been effected by the fires are welcome to post!

Thanks Mark for keeping the Bushfire thread 'on the air' as there as many people that are still doing it hard just a few months later...

Matchy69 (Mark) kindly posted "I feel for all those who lost everything and it must be hard still for you"

Quirky asked ' I wonder how people find their lives are affected 6 months later? Can be a big or a small change!

Quirky has asked an question above...If people can let us know how their lives have been effected by the bushfires it would be really helpful!

my kindest....Paul

[Soberlicious96]

Hi Quirky and everyone,

I found myself feeling quite angry at work the other day because a customer came in wanting to buy a replacement bed frame for the one she had just thrown away, and she was angry at us because she didn't have a bed to sleep on. And I couldn't help but think to myself "You better have given that bed to someone who is still sleeping in a TENT because of those fires earlier in the year, otherwise you can shove that anger you're directing at us ELSEWHERE!"

I was just so mad! I thought 'Gosh people just don't THINK sometimes'!

I for one, have certainly NOT for gotten about the fires, having had my own lived experience of the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983, and can certainly attest to the whole 'up one minute and down the next' thing. Sure it has lessened plenty in its intensity over the years, but nonetheless, trauma like that ....... well, it kinda sticks.

Anyway, you're always in my thoughts, is what I really wanted to say. As are all the other survivors. Always.

Much love and cyber hugs, Mel. xo

[quirkywords]

Thanks Mel,
you have really helped as you have been through what i went through but much worse than me. I think it isnt something you get over and I feel as you were so young it must affect your life.

The thing is everyday my experiences chnage and I know I am lucky to be alive but I sometimes feel because of covid, people feel they are over the fires.

Thanks Mel for your support to me and everyone.

[blondguy]

Hello Everyone

I know several people that have suffered through the wildfires this year that are still waiting for financial assistance through public/corporate donations to be allocated to them so they can rebuild their lives

Is any else experiencing difficulty waiting for financial assistance to rebuild or for the necessary counselling?

my kindest always

Paul

[quirkywords]

Paul I know people who were promised free DAs but now they have to pay a lot and it takes forever to get all the paperwork to rebuild.

our neighbours were promised an interest free loan then were told no.

i moved away from my town and had a place to live in. I was fortunate. When you are starting from nothing everything is expensive.

The Red Cross were very generous in their grants to me and many people I know.

I lost my business my shop but get no help with that.

Paul I feel because of COVID the people affected by bushfires have been affected have been forgotten and many of the things promised have not been given.

i still get Foxtel sending me bills even though I explained back in jan everything was destroyed and no I don’t have black box. They keep ringing and emailing me to say I owe money. It is so distressing.

I know I am better of than most but the loss of home and business is very difficult.