Flooding can be shocking and may feel overwhelming. It is normal to feel worried or anxious. These experiences may continue for some weeks. People who are directly involved are the people who are likely to be the most affected. However, witnesses, friends and relatives may have reactions too.
What can I do?
- Be patient with yourself, it may take weeks or months to feel that your life is back to normal.
- Spend time with family, friends, and others who may be able to help.
- Try to re-establish your usual routines, such as going to work or school.
- Make time for yourself, go to a place where you feel calm and safe.
- Try and get enough sleep, eat healthy meals and take time to rest and relax.
- Talk it over when you are ready, don’t worry if you get upset while addressing what happened.
- Take extra care, after an incident people are more likely to have accidents.
- Any questions or concerns, access community support groups or advice/ information centres.
When you feel ready, the Flood Recovery Guide provides practical advice to support you through the initial recovery following a flood event.
Wellbeing support
If you feel your responses to the flood are difficult to manage, are not getting better or are starting to interfere with your daily life, help is available: