MENTAL HEALTH & BUSHFIRES

Episode 4

Key Messages

Reflection of Episode 3 – helpful traits or processes

Making meaning or making sense of the experience. e.g. bulldozers part of the recovery
Being prepared! As opposed to avoidance. Active coping – Making a plan
Leaning In whenever you can – asking for help – having the courage to seek help.
Count your blessings
Recognise the impacts of the trauma - Have an awareness of what has happened for you and what’s happened around you.
The Bush – living with the tension between green and black.

Other traits and skills that build mental health and resilience

Develop ways of coping that help you come to a resolution. Avoidance, while it may be helpful in the short term, maintains the problem.
Building Connections and staying connected to others.
Humans are herd animals – they need others
Assess your belief of the world. Permanance? Strike a balance – enjoy the present – know it can change drastically and quickly
Life’s fabric gets torn by bushfire
Practice being non-judgemental - Respect those who don’t want to share their experiences.
Help Seeking
Develop meaningful pursuits – find your thing
Connect to nature and do something to improve the natural environment – i.e. take action
Be aware of yourself and your characteristics, vulnerabilities, worries. And what works for you, reflection, taking stock, quiet time, exercise