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The constant smoke haze and news reports serve as a reminder of the bushfires that still burn across Australia. Exposure to details and graphic images relating to the fires can be extremely distressing and can have a negative affect on our mental health.

The effects of such devastating events can be even more profound for vulnerable people within our communities, such as those living with complex mental health issues. People living with a mental health issue may find their symptoms return or become more intense during this time. For example, someone living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might find that graphic images trigger flashbacks to their own trauma.

When maintaining a state of wellbeing may already be a daily challenge, exposure to upsetting details of what is happening around the country can make this even more difficult.

More self-care than usual may be required in order to cope with everyday life.

If you're feeling impacted by the bushfire crisis, it might help to regain a sense of control, try to connect with others, and find comfort within your day.

A sense of control

A key feature of natural disasters is that they are out of our control. Feeling like control has been taken away can be particularly distressing for people who have experienced trauma in their past.

Regain a sense of control by:

Connecting with others

The Australian Psychological Society highlights the importance of social connection and taking time for pleasurable activities during periods of ongoing stress. Distress can make us want to isolate ourselves, but feeling connected is important in times of fear and uncertainty.

There are many ways you can feel connected. It can be helpful to engage in social support (with your community, friends, or family), in order to process what's happening. However, this is sometimes more difficult for people with complex mental health issues.

There are also additional options to help you feel connected:

Finding comfort

We all need to remember to look after ourselves. Take some time each day to:

Other resources

Life In Mind have compiled a comprehensive list of services and resources that you might find helpful if you're looking for support or information. Click here to take a look.

You can also call Australia Government Bush Fire Disaster Assistance on 1802266.  Call this number if you need mental health support.


Get Support from SANE

If you (or someone you know) needs support – the SANE Help Centre is open from Monday-Friday, 10am–10pm AEST. Our team of counsellors are available by phone, web chat and email, so you can comfortably communicate in the way that feels best for you.

We can provide you with counselling, support, information and referrals, and we specialise in assisting adults who identify as having a complex mental health issue, complex trauma or high levels of psychological distress.

We also provide support to the family or friends that care about these people.

Click to visit the SANE Help Centre now.

If you'd like to chat with other people who understand what you're going though, the SANE Forums are online 24/7. There's one Forum for lived experience, and another for family, friends or carers. The Forums are anonymous, and moderated by health professionals, to keep the conversation safe and supportive.

Click to visit the SANE Forums now.