After a bushfire: community trauma and mental health recovery

We know that as our climate changes we are seeing greater intensity and frequency of weather-related disasters. We have all witnessed the shocking images and reports of “Australia being on fire” recently. Bushfires have become a devastating part of life for many people in Australia. For those who live through it, the psychological trauma remains long after the physical scars have faded from the land.

Bushfires have a major effect on the lives of our firefighters, individuals, children, families, communities and our wildlife.

Disaster-related trauma is when the effect of a bushfire disaster (or any natural disaster) is felt in the days, months and years following. This experience can be distressing and emotionally challenging. Everyone’s experience and the timeline of the trauma varies for each individual. You may be feeling unsafe and have trouble adjusting. You may have some sleep disturbance, fear or anxiety. You may also be having distressing dreams or flashbacks. Even if we have not been directly involved in the bushfires, the media coverage on our televisions and social media ensures we are all impacted in one way or another. In particular, children absorb the worry, uncertainty, confusion and fear around them following traumatic events. [1]

It is important to understand that you are not alone and that many other people will have similar feelings, or reactions. Having distressing thoughts and feelings about the bushfires and associated losses is normal. As psychologists, we often remind our clients that they are experiencing a normal reaction for an abnormal situation. However, when these reactions persist or significantly affect your ability to return to your usual activities it may be necessary to seek additional support and trauma-informed psychological care. Here, at Clear Health Psychology, we urge anyone suffering from bushfire related trauma, or any community-related trauma to please reach out for help.