The APS acknowledges the distress as well as the emotional and physical demands the current flood crisis in Queensland is causing for many in the community, including psychologists who are supporting others as well as themselves, amidst extremely challenging circumstances.
The social, emotional and psychological impact on all those affected – including emergency services staff and volunteers – cannot be underestimated.
The APS, including our 25,000 members around Australia, is deeply concerned about the immediate and long-term trauma and psychological impacts on people of all ages, families and communities. Our thoughts go out to all those affected, as well as our colleagues in the psychology community in the region.
Many people will find the news and images of the unfolding events extremely upsetting, and for some, old traumas will be reactivated.
This natural disaster comes at a time when many people in Australia are already under psychological strain, and we urge anyone struggling to reach out for mental health support.
For anyone experiencing distress, or being impacted by current events, the APS suggests:
Reaching out to mental health support services – especially if you are at risk of being re-traumatised
Limit media exposure, particularly if it is increasing your distress
Talking about your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust – sharing our distress and talking about how we feel with friends, family and trusted community members can be helpful
For anyone feeling a sense of powerlessness, taking positive action, like contributing to humanitarian aid efforts, may help
Lean on the tools you have for self-care. Allow time for rest, relaxation, exercise and social connection.
Further resources which may be helpful can be found below:
Preparing for and recovering from floods
These sheets give practical and accessible information, including advice on how to help children cope.
Psychological First Aid: An Australian guide to supporting people affected by disaster
For people working in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Published in partnership with the Australian Red Cross
APS Disaster Response Network
The APS has a longstanding partnership with the Australian Red Cross through our Disaster Response Network (DRN). We are also working with organisations who have (or plan to have) workers on the ground in the region, including the Salvation Army, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Neighbourhood Centres, and Surf Life Saving Queensland. We are working with these organisations to offer a coordinated response to any requests for psychology services from those individuals and communities impacted by the current flood emergency.
Our calls to government
Our work with government to expand the psychological workforce to deal with the impacts of natural disasters, on top of the cost-of-living crisis and other social challenges continues, as we call for the following reform initiatives:
Extending Commonwealth Prac Payments to postgraduate psychology students
Developing an evidence-based ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Psychology Workforce Strategy
Improving access to psychology services
Bulk Billing Incentives for psychologists
Psychologist-determined support in Better Access
Streamlining GP Mental Health Reviews, and
Improving youth access to psychology services.
Next steps
We will continue to monitor unfolding events happening around the country. If APS members are in contact with any organisations helping the community that would benefit from the support of the DRN, we welcome you sharing that local knowledge so that we can reach out to them. Contact us at [email protected]. If you would like to be involved in DRN please visit our website.
