APS disaster experts available for interview
Preparing mentally for a natural disaster like bushfire, flood or cyclone is as important as preparing a property, said the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
APS President Ros Knight said preparing yourself emotionally is a crucial step to surviving a disaster.
“Disasters are highly stressful and alarming events,” said Ms Knight. “When we’re faced with a disaster the adrenaline kicks in and we can find it very difficult to think rationally and make the best decisions about our safety and wellbeing.”
Ms Knight said preparing mentally helps us manage our natural fear response in what can be an overwhelming situation, to feel more in control and confident and to think more clearly.
“It’s easy to become paralysed by anxiety, and stress can make you behave unpredictably,” said Ms Knight.
“How would you think, feel and react if the air filled with thick black smoke, if the power went out, or if your home began flooding?” she said. “It’s impossible to know exactly how you will react in any scenario, but by anticipating your emotional response you can limit the uncertainty which feeds fear and anxiety.”
“People who take steps to anticipate, identify and manage how they might feel before and during a disaster can go a long way to limiting the negative effects of living through such an event.”
There are three main steps to being psychologically prepared:
1. Anticipate what it might be like as a disaster approaches, the anxiety you may feel and the physical signs of fear and distress such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea or headaches.
2. Identify uncomfortable or distressing thoughts and feelings that may cause further anxiety, such as: I can’t cope, I’m so afraid, I don’t know what to do.
3. Manage responses so that your ability to cope remains as effective as possible. Useful strategies include: slowing down your breathing and replacing frightening thoughts with more helpful ones, such as “Relax”, “I can cope”, “I have a plan”.
“The bottom line is that if you prepare psychologically, as well as physically, you will be stronger in the face of an impending disaster,” said Ms Knight.
Links:
APS tip sheet: Psychological preparation for natural disasters
APS disaster resources: View the full range of APS disaster resources
APS videos: Mentally preparing children for disasters; How to help communities after disaster
For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email. Find the APS Media team on Twitter: @AustPsych
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 27,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.