The recent Queensland floods and cyclones significantly affected the emotional wellbeing of many Queenslanders. In most cases the initial emotional distress will gradually settle. However, some people may still be experiencing emotional reactions such as nervousness, mood swings, shame, irritability, anger, worry, frustration and difficulty with concentration and decision making. In some cases physical symptoms such as tiredness, headaches, poor sleep, muscular aches or weight gain may be more apparent. Stress can also bring on behavioural changes including increased eating, drinking, fidgeting, pacing, social withdrawal, yelling and blaming. These reactions may become severe enough to affect the person’s personal and family life or their work.

If you feel that you, or someone you know is having difficulty, help is available. Often, this help will be short and simple, and prevent people from having longer term problems.

What assistance will be provided?
Community-based non-government organisations are available to assist disaster-affected individuals carers, families and communities with emotional wellbeing and mental health support services including:

· practical mental health information, resources and advice about supporting family, friends and neighbours, recognising the early signs of psychological distress, and where to go to get help,
and
· personal support through individual and group counselling services.

These support services will be delivered in collaboration with general practitioners, allied health providers, schools, public mental health services, private psychologists and psychiatrists. There are a number of sources of emotional wellbeing and mental health support following the recent cyclones and floods, including organisations listed in this PDF produced by the Department of Communities.

Click here to download.