Mental health support after a flood

Living through a natural disaster can be very challenging. Psychological distress, depression and anxiety are all normal responses. After the immediate threat of danger has passed, your mental health and wellbeing may be affected.

It’s important to seek mental health and wellbeing support if you need it.

NSW Health advice and services

Your doctor or medical specialist is a good resource to manage mental health and wellbeing. Telehealth services are available to provide remote medical advice and support. You can get in touch with a social worker through Services Australia.

Health information:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Depression

General support services

In addition to NSW Health there are a range of services you can turn to for wellbeing and mental health support following a natural disaster:

• In a critical or life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero on 000
• The Mental Health Line  on 1800 011 511 provides professional help, advice and referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Lifeline on 13 11 14, text and via online chat provides crisis support and suicide prevention services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978 or via online chat is for men with family and relationship concerns.
• Beyond Blue on 1800 51 23 48 provides family and relationship support services.
• For mental health support resources in your language, visit the Transcultural Mental Health Centre.

Support for regional communities

The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) provides mental health support for people and communities impacted by flood.

Call your local RAMHP coordinator to find help in your local area.

You can also access fact sheets, podcasts and self-help tools at RAMHP.

More resources from RAMHP include:

• You got this mate – information to support rural men
• Take Time magazine – stories from regional NSW 

Support for young people

The services below provide specialised support for young people:

• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, via online chat or email provides confidential counselling if you are aged 5 to 25 years.
• Headspace provides early intervention mental health services for young people and produce a guide on supporting a young person after a natural disaster.
• ReachOut provides a platform for young people to chat anonymously and resources for parents to support their teenagers through everyday issues.

Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

The organisations below support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples:

• Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation deliver professional, culturally sensitive, social, emotional and wellbeing services to those aged over 18 years.
• The National Indigenous Postvention Service (NIPS) is a Thirrili program that provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples affected by suicide or other trauma.
• The Reimagine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hub has resources about the NDIS for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who live with a psychosocial disability. The hub also includes resources for people who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Yarn Safe is part of Headspace and offers information for young people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.  

Northern Rivers Safe Haven hubs

Safe Haven hubs offer free professional mental health services to the local community without needing an appointment or referral. They support those in immediate distress or who might be feeling overwhelmed or vulnerable.

Hubs are now open in the Woodburn, Mullumbimby, Murwillumbah and Lismore areas.

Visit Safe Haven North Coast to find out more.

Domestic and family violence

Domestic and family violence can occur during stressful times such as natural disasters, but it is never okay – there is no excuse.

Learn more about the help that’s available on Domestic and family violence support.