Surviving the trauma of the Queensland Floods - Australian Centre ...

For immediate release:Surviving the trauma of the Queensland Floods:the mental health consequencesThe destructive, and in some cases, fatal, flooding that iscurrently affecting Queensland is a potentially traumaticexperience for those involved. Up to 65 per cent ofAustralians are likely to experience some kind of traumaticevent in their lives.Almost anyone who goes through a traumatic event like thefloods in St George and Townsville will be affected in someway. How organisations and health services respond totrauma can have a lasting impact on a person’s ability tocope, according to experts at the Australian Centre forPosttraumatic Mental Health in Melbourne.While most people regain a sense of wellbeing on theirown, with the support of family and friends, a minority maydevelop mental health problems and need more help. Theirproblems may include anxiety, depression, posttraumaticstress and risky alcohol and drug use, as well as difficultieswith relationships or work.Human beings are very resilient and most of those involved in the floods will findthat their lives return to normal according to Dr Darryl Wade, a senior researcherwith the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health at the University ofMelbourne. “Obviously those involved will feel some distress, but most will notexperience severe problems that prevent them from making a return to somesemblance of their normal lives over the coming days and weeks”. Somesurvivors and witnesses to traumatic events such as the destruction of crops orthe sweeping away of cars, however, may experience mental and physicalsymptoms that can last long after the event has passed. Mental health expertshave several names for these reactions, including depression, adjustmentdisorder, acute stress disorder (ASD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Anyone can suffer these problems, regardless of age, sex or ethnic background.They can follow any kind of trauma like violence or sexual assault, naturaldisaster (bushfire, earthquakes, floods), serious unexpected injury, or thetraumatic injury or death of a loved one.In fact, about two thirds of people experience one or more traumatic events atsome stage in their lives. But only a small proportion – maybe 10-15% – go on toexperience stress disorders, says Dr Wade. “Although only a minority of peopleexposed to potentially traumatic events will develop a persistent mental healthproblem, the fact that a large number of people experience these types of eventsmeans that posttraumatic mental health is a significant health issue that needs tobe addressed effectively,” he added.Whether those involved in the recent floods will go on to experience longer termproblems depends on a whole range of factors such as:• whether they've experienced traumatic events in the past (it's more likely ifthey have)• how exposed they were to the traumatic event and how long it lasted• how much social support they had in the weeks following the eventAfter the event, people may experience:• shock and disbelief at what happened;• fear and apprehension that it might happen again;• anger at the unfairness and senselessness of it all;• shame and guilt for not having acted differently and somehow feeling theyare to blame.Some may have trouble sleeping, get tired easily, have trouble concentrating,and experience nightmares and feelings of 'reliving' the experience which happenwithout warning.They may become socially withdrawn, lose interest in their normal activities andnot want to go to work.They may use alcohol or other drugs to dampen down the symptoms (whichcome back when they've sobered up).Their relationships may suffer. Loved ones may find the person jumpy, and easilystartled, as well as irritable and angry.

According to Professor Mark Creamer, Director of the ACPMH, the symptomsusually fade over a period of weeks and life returns to normal. But recovery iseasier and quicker if the person:• accepts what happens rather than denying it;• looks after themselves physically – gets plenty of exercise, eats abalanced diet and avoids drugs and alcohol;• resumes a normal routine and goes back to school, study, work, sport etc(without trying to do too much in an attempt to block out the event).Relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga can help. Some people findkeeping a journal or diary is helpful.But most important of all is to have good social contacts – friends, family andwork colleagues with whom the person can talk through their experiences if andwhen they feel ready.These people can help the traumatised person by spending time with them,listening to them and being supportive and understanding. They should avoidblaming the person or dismissing the experience by saying things like "pullyourself together" or "it could have been worse" and accept that they may beangry and irritable at times.If the symptoms are too severe, or go on for more than a few weeks, the personshould try to get professional help. Many people are reluctant to seek treatmentand may need some gentle encouragement from concerned friends or family.“Initially, it’s a good idea to talk the issues through with a GP” said ProfessorCreamer. “Then, if the symptoms persist, get a referral to a competentpsychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional”.The most effective treatment is trauma-focused psychological therapy in whichthe person is helped to confront the painful memories in a safe and controlledway. Medication can also be helpful in some cases.In 2007, the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health released a set ofguidelines for people with ASD and PTSD and for health workers to help themmanage these conditions. These guidelines, as well as a range of otherinformation, are available for free download from ACPMH’s website:www.acpmh.unimelb.edu.auFor further information, interview and contact details contact Tania Ewingon 0408378422