Mental Health Services
27 February 2020
Many people have found the recent bushfire events distressing and emotionally challenging and are experiencing sadness, sleep disturbance, fear and anxiety. It is important to understand that competent, healthy, strong people have similar feelings or responses and that these response may be experienced immediately after the bushfires or much later on. Having these distressing thoughts and feelings after such an event is normal. When these responses persist or significantly impact on someone's ability to return to usual activities additional support may be needed.
Children, in particular, absorb the tension, uncertainty, confusion and fear around them following traumatic events. For specific information on how to support young people, please visit the Trauma and Grief Network website.
If you experience persistent thoughts or feelings that interfere with your life please talk to your General Practitioner or health care provider.
The following free services are available 24 hours, seven days a week:
- Lifeline 13 Help (13 43 57) - devoted to bushfire recovery
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
- Mensline: 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
