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. 

[Elizabeth CP]

I wish I knew some way to help but all I can offer is my thoughts & encouragement. I want everyone who suffered loss of any type in the fire, including loss of feelings of security & well being, I an thinking of you. Reach out for any support you can get because you need it & deserve it. I don't understand why some people & some businesses are so thoughtless making it difficult for people to recover & rebuild their lives

[quirkywords]

Elizabeth you went through a lot in the past and are struggling how with COVID, so your compassion for others is wonderful. I appreciate it.

There are thoughtless people but far more kind people out there that makes life easier.

[blondguy]

Hi Quirky and everyone

I mentioned the allocation of charitable donations as there are many people still waiting for assistance that have suffered similar to yourself

This is and will a difficult period for so many others that are trying to get back on their feet

I respect that the Red Cross were trying to sort out the real claims from the 'fake claims' ..which has blown out the waiting period. I feel for the people that are still waiting for assistance. I dont think that Covid would have an effect the bushfire donations...(just my humble opinion)

Anyhow....just trying to provide a 'voice' to the people that are trying to rebuild

Thankyou Quirky for helping out with your experience

my kindest....Paul

[quirkywords]

Paul

there Re people who need to get help after the fires. If you or anyone reading know people who are waitinFir help but have no access to computers or have little or no skill,s, maybe we can help these people,

many People are living in caravans or shipping units but many have moelectricity let alone computers. So they need people who CZ tell them of what is available and maybe contact the Red Cross or other groups.

i fear people are missing out on lots of grants because they have no electricity no access to computers and or no technological skills.

the irony is most of the discussions about how to get help are all online. So people need to get info out. I have helped friends who did not have a computer and had no idea what were would be able to get.

[blondguy]

Hello Quirky

you mentioned an excellent point that most discussions re help are only available online..and as it doesnt help folk that dont have a computer/have internet access and hopefully we can provide some help as you said

just a point from my last post above for you Quirky..The head of PR for the Red Cross (Bushfires - Operations) mentioned that the delay in releasing funds was due to trying to sort out the real claims from the 'fake claims'

I have found this disturbing as it impacts many people who are trying to rebuild their lives after these wildfires

Is there a phone number that people can call for assistance Quirky?

my kind thoughts

Paul

[quirkywords]

Paul ,

that is stressful when you apply for a grant or help you have to have so many forms that you don’t have as they were burnt, it is as if none believes you are genuine. So this adds to your stress when you are treated like criminal at first, I got my children to deal with grants and debts.
not sure what number you want, Red Cross or others. There is service nsw and everyone whose home was destroyed should have a case worker by now.

[quirkywords]

Red Cross details
Applications for the above grants will be open until 30 September 2020.
There will be more assistance available for those facing severe hardship.
1800733276
if someone isn’t confident get a friend or family member to help with the phone call.

phone Service NSw local council, local member, Anglicare 02 8624 8600

one would need to apply soon .

thanks for you concern Paul.
quirky

[Ggrand]

Hello Quirky, Paul and everyone..

It’s so wrong that your being treated so unfair Quirky...Surely the organisation that gives the grants and help...would be aware that all or most of important personal documents and papers were also lost in the fire...

Last I heard from my eldest son..is that his neighbour who lost his home in the fires...is still waiting for his insurance company to clear away their property so they can start to rebuild their lives again..

Its not fair that this is taking so long for you to get the help you need....My heart goes out to you dear Quirky...you’ve had so much heartache this year...I’m very sorry that you have...

Grandy..

[blondguy]

Hey Quirky and Grandy!

Quirky mentioned 'If you or anyone reading know people who are waiting for help but have no access to computers or have little or no skill,s, maybe we can help these people'

Just to clarify that I was responding to Quirky's helpful post above which I have quoted..ummm just providing a opening if anyone wanted to help other people that have suffered as you have and especially those that are still waiting for charitable funds to be allocated so they can rebuild

Whether people who suffered are from Victoria or NSW isnt relevant. If anyone wishes to provide readers with any support numbers it the thread topic is still open

Kudos to all the Australian firefighters that have flown to the US with the horrible wildfires in California

Paul

[quirkywords]

Hello everyone.

grandy I am sorry if I gave the wrong impression. I did get help it just took time. Thanks for your kind words. I had the help from my children but people who don’t have computer skills , telephone skills or family or friends who can help them find it even harder,

I am sorry about your sons neighbour and the clearing. Our clearing was done by service NSW in March.

Paul ,

I am sorry I only gave NSW numbers of course many other states were affected.. I think earlier in this thread are other numbers.

The point is there is help there but people need help to access it.