NSW Health has urged people recovering from bushfires to take advantage of mental health and counselling services.
Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor said the resilience of people in regional communities was well known, but no one should feel that they need to go it alone in the coming days, weeks, or months.
“My message to the brave people in fire-ravaged communities like those of Northern NSW, the Mid-North Coast and the Hunter is to reach out for help and tap into the counselling and mental health services available on the ground,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The widespread loss and distress caused by a major event such as this impacts the whole community, and those affected need support now and in the months ahead.”
NSW Chief Psychiatrist, Murray Wright said that many people, including those who were usually healthy and strong, might be experiencing sadness, sleep disturbance, fear or anxiety.
“This is a very normal reaction, and may be experienced immediately or sometimes much later,” Dr Wright said.
“Anyone experiencing persistent issues impacting day-to-day lives is encouraged to talk to their General Practitioner or regular health care provider.”
The Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP), which operates across rural and remote NSW, has coordinators in fire-affected areas working directly with communities, providing on-the-ground support, connecting people to support and assistance and visiting evacuation centres daily.
RAMHP Coordinators can be accessed by inserting a postcode in this PS News link.
