Wind Currents – Mirabel Fitzgerald
Honouring what we’ve lost, and re-building a sense of safety take their own time following a disaster. Each one of us is uniquely different with varied experiences, though there can be a range of commonalities across our personal journeys following bushfires and extreme weather events.
This is where in time, connecting with other peoples’ lived experiences or finding resources that we resonate with, can help us in understanding our responses to grief, trauma and burnout.
Finding support – and a sense of being understood – can help us to feel less alone.
We can experience a host of feelings and responses during and after a disaster and as we witness the impact of the climate crisis’ on Country and on our planet.
Self-care, and being kind with ourselves is so important. Especially around anniversaries and triggers, and when we’re finding it really tough.
‘ We know that engaging with the climate crisis can bring up a wide variety of emotional responses, and can contribute to feelings of grief, anxiety, depression and more. This can be a lot for any individual to deal with. We can’t ignore the crisis unfolding around us, but we can get extra support to help us face it.‘
Climate Specific Mental Health Resources
Psychology for a Safe Climate (Resources) – https://www.psychologyforasafeclimate.org/resources – A wide ranging set of climate and mental health specific resources, curated by an alliance of psychologists and allied mental health professionals.
National Telephone and Website Services for Mental Health:
Ermha 365 National (Resource Hub) – https://mentalhealthcompass.com.au/service-finder – National and state based mental health directory by region and support need.
WellMob (Resources) – https://www.wellmob.org.au – Online resources made by and for First Nations mob with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing.
Headspace National (Service and Resources) – https://www.headspace.org.au – National peak body for youth mental health support and advocacy, serving young people aged 12-24.
QLife Helpline National (Service) – 1800 184 527 and https://www.qlife.org.au – Helpline for people in the LGBTIQA+ community. Available daily from 3pm – midnight (AWST)
Beyond Blue National (Service) – 1300 224 636 and https://www.beyondblue.org.au – Depression support and referral.
Black Dog Institute National (Resources) – https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support – Resources for mental health, with a focus on mood disorders.
Suicide Call Back National – 1300 659 467 and https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au – A 24/7 Counselling Service for those dealing with suicidal thoughts or caring for someone who is. (For ages 15 and up).
Mensline National – 1300 789 978 and https://www.mensline.org.au – A 24/7 Counselling services available to men of all ages
Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (Resources Hub) – 02 6363 8444 and https://www.crrmh.com.au/get-help-now/drought-support/help-services – Hub for mental health services, financial assistance and advisory services for rural and remote community members.
Sane National (Service) – 1800 187 263 and https://www.sane.org – Peer support service staffed by operators with lived experience of mental health, and a real time 24/7 forum.
Resources from 350 org Australia + https://climatejusticeunion.org/About-Us
Other Resources on Burn Out
Experiencing the new realities of climate change is having an impact on Australians’ sense of wellbeing.
Learning to be kind to ourselves is a big part of any healing process.
Self Care – Kerrie Boyenga gives the pronunciation for the Durgha phrase Ngumbudhaa- yindiga which means love yourself . Click here. Source: Dhurga Word of The Week
Some people may find that taking action on local environment restoration or on climate helps them to feel more empowered.
More Resources –
https://www.bushfiresurvivors.org/joinus
‘We are a group of bushfire survivors, firefighters and members of fire-affected communities doing everything we can can to help Australia make progress tackling the climate crisis. If you’ve been affected by the bushfires, we’d love to hear from you.’
Wind Currents – see more about artist Mirabel Fitzgerald
WOOEE 2022
