Look after mental health in wake of floods

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is urging Australians, especially those directly affected by the Queensland floods, to monitor and look after their mental health in the wake of the current flood disaster.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists shares the community’s distress at the devastating consequences including loss of life, of the Queensland floods. “The people of Queensland will be suffering significant, grief, shock and loss as a result of the floods,” said Dr Maria Tomasic, President of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

“Following the initial shock and once the floods subside, people may experience long-term psychological problems such as depression and anxiety disorders,” said Dr Maria Tomasic.

“It is important that people monitor their mental health during the flood crisis, but also afterwards in the months of recovery. As the impacts of the devastation become more apparent, mental health issues can emerge. Circumstances of loss, threatened loss and trauma are painful for people and may lead to considerable anguish. The psychological impact on children should particularly be monitored,” said Dr Tomasic.

Dr Daniel Varghese, Queensland Branch Chair of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, said, “There is much that can be done to assist people in dealing with natural disasters in both the immediate aftermath and in the medium term for those who may experience longer lasting effects. Caution is required in the immediate response to avoid revisiting the traumatic events through ‘debriefing’ as this may compound the trauma. Attention should be directed instead to assisting people to recover with appropriate practical and sympathetic support and acknowledgement of loss and grief.”

Encouraging and fostering the usual family and community supports is essential. “Those who feel anxious or depressed are encouraged to talk to someone about their thoughts. If people are feeling distress they should seek help from mental health professionals, a telephone counselling service or visit their general practitioner,” said Dr Varghese. “People who have a history of mental illness should be mindful that stress and trauma may exacerbate existing mental illness.”

“For those Australians not directly impacted by the floods, donating to fundraising appeals can help them feel like they are contributing to those affected and help reduce feelings of helplessness,” said Dr Varghese.

(Source: Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists)