Tasmanians affected by the recent bushfires are being encouraged to look after their mental health and wellbeing.
“Natural disasters are traumatic and overwhelming events that can affect everyone in the community,” Bushfire Recovery Taskforce Coordinator Michael Stevens said.
“It is common for people to have a strong reaction following a traumatic event like the recent bushfires around Tasmania, but support is available to help people. Please take care of yourself and look out for those around you.”
Mr Stevens said looking after psychological health and wellbeing was as important as looking after physical health.
“It is really important everyone experiencing challenging reactions to the recent bushfires knows help is available and they are supported by their community,” he said.
“This is why we have arranged for psychologist Dr Rob Gordon to come to Tasmania to give a number of community presentations to people living in bushfire affected areas.”
“Dr Gordon has over 30 years’ experience working with people affected by emergencies and natural disasters, and will share stories, learnings and practical examples that will help people understand their reactions to trauma and grief and come to terms with their situation and their emotions.”
Dr Gordon’s first-hand experience includes the aftermath of the Bali bombings and Christchurch earthquake, Black Saturday, the Canberra firestorm and Tasmania’s 2013 bushfires as well as many other large-scale disasters.
The presentations are free to people affected by the 2019 bushfires and will be held on:
To register, please call Katrina Brazendale on 6286 3202 or email kbrazendale@centralhighlands.tas.gov.au for the Bothwell session, or the Huon Valley Council on 6264 0300 or email hvc@huonvalley.tas.gov.au for the Geeveston and Huonville sessions.
The Bushfire Recovery Taskforce has also released a factsheet ‘Looking after yourself following a traumatic event’ and is encouraging anyone who needs help to reach out.
The factsheet is available at http://alert.tas.gov.au/Recovery and contains information on possible reactions to the bushfires, how to take care of yourself and others, when and where to get help and who to contact.
Help is available to explain feelings and emotions after the bushfires so talk with your GP or someone you trust or call:
For more recovery information, call the Bushfire Recovery Taskforce on 1800 567 567 or email recovery@dpac.tas.gov.au