People across Australia are understandably concerned and distressed at the impact of the floods occurring in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. What follows is some practical advice for people in flood affected areas on how they can help protect their family’s health. It also includes information on how best to offer support for people affected by the flooding, especially children.
Information for those in flood affected areas:
Food safety
Flooding and extreme weather conditions often cause power failures leading to food in refrigerators and freezers spoiling. It is recommended that people eat perishable items first, and throw away anything that has started to spoil, especially if it smells or tastes strange. You can also prepare by freezing extra ice to keep food cool in a refrigerator, freezer or esky in case the power fails or is cut-off.
Avoiding insect bites
Some diseases can be transmitted through mosquito bites, and with the number of mosquitoes rising because of the flooding it’s a good idea to wear long sleeves and trousers, and use insect repellent, to avoid bites and reduce the risk of illness.
Safe drinking water
It’s essential to keep hydrated, particularly if you are outside for long periods and in the heat. However any dirty-coloured or cloudy water could be contaminated and should be filtered through a clean cloth and boiled for at least three minutes and left to cool before you drink it. Further information on how to ensure you have safe drinking water can be found on the Queensland Government's website
Supporting people coping with the floods
"The best thing you can do to support a loved one or colleague through a disaster such as the Queensland floods crisis is to be there for them. If they want to talk, let them talk. If they want to be silent, let them be silent. A GP, psychologist or counsellor may also help now and in the times to come." - Dr Christine Bennett, Bupa Australia's Chief Medical Officer.
Supporting children
Young children may not talk about their feelings and experiences but may let people know how they are feeling through their behaviour, drawings and play. Babies and children are very intuitive and will detect emotions from those people around them. So if they are unsettled or clingy, it is important to support them accordingly.
Parents should be honest and direct with children about the impact of the floods. However it’s important to reassure children that they are safe where they are and that, as a family, they will be able to cope and have a positive future. Parents should answer questions, but don’t push children to talk.
Information for people who have been indirectly affected by the floods
How do I help my children if they have been upset by the floods?
Images of the floods on television are upsetting for everyone, and particularly for children. Children may be disturbed by what they see; there are practical steps parents can take to help.
Parents from unaffected areas should talk to their children and reassure them that their homes are not at risk.
It may also be helpful to talk as a family about assisting people who have been affected by the floods. Donations can be made in person at a number of locations, so that children can feel included in the process. Please see more information on how to donate.
For immediate assistance:
- Lifeline 131 114
- Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
Useful Websites:
Information about stress and grief
What is stress?
Stress is a process - not a diagnosis. We feel stressed when there is an imbalance between the demands made on us and our ability to cope with those demands. Stress can cause psychological and physical symptoms such as poor sleep, irritability, anxiety or nausea.
In times of extreme stress, people may tremble, hyperventilate (breathe faster than normal) or even vomit. People who are stressed may seem, or even be, angry, depressed, or anxious. They might even behave irrationally, be unable to concentrate or turn to drugs, smoking or drinking to help them cope.
Those affected may be excessively tired yet unable to sleep, have aches and pains, have heart palpitations, feel sick or have diarrhoea.
What is grief?
Grief is our response to loss. Everyone experiences grief differently because our reaction depends on a range of individual factors, such as our personality and age, our relationship with the deceased, cultural practices, the level of social support and our spiritual beliefs. Grief includes a wide range of emotions, thoughts and behaviours. There is usually a sequence of different experience and reaction as part of the grief and our natural coping response.
However, it doesn't help to think that the stages of grief will always happen in a particular order that individuals will move through in a predictable sequence or way.
People affected by the floods may, and those severely affected probably will, experience a period of grieving in the days, weeks and months after the bushfire tragedy.
The stages of grief
There is no single way to grieve. Everyone is different and each person handles their emotions in his or her own way. However, there are several stages of grief that people commonly experience. There is no set timescale for passing through these stages, but it can help to know that intense emotions and swift changes in mood are normal. The stages of grief aren't distinct, and there is usually some overlap between them. Grief can also cause physical reactions including sleeplessness, loss of energy and loss of appetite.
Feeling emotionally numb is often the first reaction to a loss. This may last for a few hours, days or longer. In some ways, this numbness can help you get through practical arrangements and family pressures, but if this phase goes on for too long it can become a problem.
Numbness may be replaced by a deep yearning for life to return to what it was prior to the traumatic experience.
Affected persons may feel agitated or angry, and find it difficult to concentrate, relax or sleep. They may also feel guilty. Those who were able to save their homes from the floods may feel guilty that their home remains, while others have lost everything. For those people who have lost loved pets, possessions or worse, they may dwell on things in their past that they may now have preferred to have done differently.
This period of strong emotion can give way to bouts of intense sadness, silence and sometimes withdrawal from family and friends. During this time, individuals may be prone to sudden outbursts of tears, which may be set off by reminders and memories of whatever it is they may have lost. Over time, the pain and sadness almost always lessens.
The final phase of grieving is to let go of the loss that has been experienced, and begin to move on with life, though it may not be exactly the same as it was before.
Counselling
The State government, local health services and aid agencies will all be working towards providing assistance to people in need. If you or someone you know feels they need some emotional help when their circumstances look glum and you or they don’t feel as though they’re able to cope, make contact with someone who can help. If you know who to contact, then don’t feel cautious or embarrassed. Health professionals are there to help, and at a minimum discuss with a person in need what their options might be and the best course of action.
Does my private health insurance cover psychology services?
Our private health insurance members impacted by the floods can call 131 137 for more information. Travel, home and car insurance members can contact 131 243.
