Bushfires can have a considerable impact on our physical and mental health, with some symptoms lasting long after the blaze is extinguished. And our children are amongst the most vulnerable.
The Kids Head of Mental Health research Associate Professor Ashleigh Lin has compiled the following information and tips to help protect your family’s mental health during the Australian bushfire crisis.
Mental health
Studies have also shown that people who experience a natural disaster are at risk of developing anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Kids Head of Mental Health research Associate Professor Ashleigh Lin says it’s important to be aware of the mental health of children during natural disasters such as the devastating bushfires in the south east of Australia.
“For those who have lost their homes, pets or livestock, it is a big change and understandably distressing for the whole family. Even for those whose homes are still standing, their community and environment has changed drastically,” Associate Prof Lin said.
“Children who are directly impacted are experiencing massive changes to their daily routine and seeing their friends and family in distress – which can have an impact on their mental wellbeing.
“Feeling anxiety around natural disasters in close proximity is common and expected, but if you or your child is experiencing prolonged feelings of stress or anxiety I would urge you to seek help from a mental health professional or support service like Kids Helpline,” Associate Professor Lin said.
The impact of media and social media on mental health
Assoc Prof Lin explains that the mental health impact is not limited to those directly affected.
“Even for those watching from a distance, the imagery being portrayed online and in the media can impact mental health,” Associate Prof Lin said.
“It is important for parents to be mindful that there are confronting images being shown in the coverage of the events and they should consider this when deciding whether to allow their children to watch the coverage on TV or social media.
“If children are exposed to distressing imagery, ensure you keep an open dialogue with them, and check in to see how it has been experienced by them.”
Tips to protect your family’s mental health
Associate Prof Lin suggests the following tips for parents helping their children deal with the impact of the bushfires on mental health:
- It is important to check in with your kids to make sure they are travelling okay.
- Children respond to trauma in many different ways, and there is no one right way. Acknowledge what you child is feeling, and don’t downplay their feelings.
- Reassurance and soothing from parents and other significant adults is useful for children to process what has occurred.
- Children feed off their parents’ emotions. Keeping calm will help your child feel safer and less anxious.
- Maintain routines as much as possible.
- Consider limiting children’s exposure to distressing imagery in the media and social media coverage of the events.
Read on to learn how you can protect your family's physical health during the bushfire crisis.