Your emotional wellbeing is as important as your physical health and financial circumstances. Find services, websites and guides to help you recover from an emergency or disaster.
Major emergencies can have a significant impact on your life and the lives of those around you.
You might feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure where to start. These are all normal responses.
There’s no one right way to get back on track – and no timeline. What matters is knowing that support is available when you’re ready.
A good place to start is by talking with your family, friends, local doctor (GP) and your local council. They may be able to connect you with services and support.
To find your local:
- doctor, visit Health Direct's Find a health service
- council, visit Vic councils.
Supporting your emotional wellbeing
Recovering emotionally after a disaster is just as important as physical and financial recovery. You don’t need to go through it alone.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or concerned about your mental health – or someone else’s – you can:
- contact your local GP
- call Lifeline 13 11 14.
Guide to managing your emotional wellbeing
The Emergencies in Victoria: Managing your emotional wellbeing and accessing Emergency Relief Payments guide can help you:
- understand your emotional responses
- take small steps to feel more in control
- access financial support (if it’s made available for your emergency).
Download the guide:
- Emergencies in Victoria: Managing emotional wellbeing and accessing Emergency Relief Payments guide (PDF 158 KB)
- Emergencies in Victoria: Managing emotional wellbeing and accessing Emergency Relief Payments guide
Translations of the Emergencies in Victoria: Managing emotional wellbeing accessing Emergency Relief Payment guide are available in the languages below:
- Arabic (PDF 248 KB)
- Chinese - Simplified (PDF 459 KB)
- Chinese - Traditional (PDF 469 KB)
- Greek (PDF 223 KB)
- Hindi (PDF 239 KB)
- Italian (PDF 180 KB)
- Punjabi (PDF 267 KB)
- Vietnamese (PDF 230)
Better Health Channel
The Better Health Channel has information on trauma and recovery. Information is available in English and other languages.
Coping with trauma
For many people, experiencing a disaster can be traumatic. Trauma can affect children, families and individuals in different ways.
Visit the Better Health Channel’s trauma recovery services page for information and advice on:
- supporting children (including newborns, toddlers, school-aged children and teens)
- family recovery
- PTSD and trauma responses
- how trauma affects recovery over time.
Other services that can help
The Australian Red Cross and the Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry provide outreach, psychological first aid, personal support and emotional/spiritual care to help build community resilience.
Visit: Australian Red Cross or VCC Emergencies Ministry
The Australian Psychological Society has resources to help you mentally prepare for emergencies and understand the emotional impacts.
Visit: Australian Psychological Society
Phoenix Australia supports those struggling with the impacts of trauma in a range of ways, including through clinical services, expert resources, and world-leading research.
Visit: Home – Phoenix Australia