Struggling after a disaster? Know when to seek extra support
Struggling after a disaster is more common than you might think. Big events like floods, fires or storms can affect everyone in different ways—even people in the same family.
It’s completely natural to feel shaken, emotional, or worn out afterwards. Often, these feelings ease over time. But sometimes they hang around or feel too much to handle on your own. That’s when it might be time to reach out for extra support.
Common signs you might be struggling after a disaster
After a natural disaster, it’s completely normal to feel unsettled. But if difficult feelings linger, it could be a sign you’re struggling after a disaster and may need some extra support.
Here are some common signs that you might not be coping:
- Feeling numb or disconnected from what’s going on
- Feeling overwhelmed by the aftermath
- Tearfulness, sadness or guilt that doesn’t ease
- Ongoing anxiety, nervousness or irritability
- Trouble focusing or feeling restless
- Difficulty making plans or decisions
- Changes to your sleep or appetite
- Distressing memories or frequent nightmares
- Constant worrying or intrusive thoughts
- Replaying the event in your mind
Some people may experience these reactions soon after a disaster. For others, these signs may not appear until after the initial impact has subsided. For many people, they gradually ease over time. But if they continue or begin to affect your daily life, it’s important to seek support.
When to seek help
It’s a good idea to seek help if you or someone in your family is experiencing any of the following:
- Symptoms that last more than a month and affect your daily life
- Feeling hopeless or having little interest in the future
- Avoiding anything that reminds you of the disaster
- Ongoing fear, panic or physical signs like a racing heart, dizziness or trouble breathing
- Constant tiredness or feeling emotionally numb
- No longer enjoying things you usually love
- Finding it hard to connect with or care for your children
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others, or feeling like life isn’t worth living
How to get help
If you’re struggling after a disaster, it’s important to look after your own mental health and wellbeing, especially if you’re also caring for little ones. Kids rely on the grown-ups around them to feel safe, and that starts with you being as well and supported as possible.
- Reach out to your GP
- Talk with someone you trust and ask them to help you get extra support
- Chat with a counsellor or psychologist – make an appointment with the Outback Futures mental health team.
Other resources
Breaking the stress cycle after a disaster
What to expect in your first appointment
Good mental health support – getting a good fit
The difference between counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists
