Supporting Your Mental Health During Cyclone Alfred: Practical Tools and Resources

Cyclone Alfred has brought disruption and uncertainty to many of us in the Northern Rivers region. It's perfectly normal to feel a range of emotions—anxiety, stress, fear, and even grief—during such unpredictable times. Whether you are directly impacted or simply navigating the stress of the situation, it's crucial to take care of your mental health.

I want you to know that you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed, and there are steps you can take to support yourself during this storm. In this blog, I’ll share some practical tools to help you manage your mental well-being during this time, as well as key resources you can connect with if you need extra support.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings—It’s Okay to Feel Unsettled

It’s natural to feel uneasy when the weather is unpredictable, and the sense of uncertainty can trigger feelings of anxiety. Acknowledging these feelings is an important first step toward understanding and managing them.

Remember, it’s okay to feel unsettled. Giving yourself space to process your emotions can help you feel more grounded and in control. Self-compassion is key in times like these—be kind to yourself.

2. Ground Yourself with Simple Techniques

When feelings of anxiety arise, grounding exercises can help you feel more present and reduce the intensity of those emotions. Here are a couple of simple techniques to try:

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise:
This exercise uses your five senses to help you focus on the present moment.

• 5 things you can see

• 4 things you can touch

• 3 things you can hear

• 2 things you can smell

• 1 thing you can taste

This can help refocus your mind when it starts to race with worry. Taking a few deep breaths while engaging your senses is a quick and effective way to ground yourself.

Breathing Exercises:
Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique:

• Inhale for 4 seconds.

• Hold your breath for 7 seconds.

• Exhale for 8 seconds.

This technique can calm your nervous system, helping you manage anxiety and stress.

3. Stay Connected with Loved Ones

One of the most important things you can do during stressful times is to stay connected with others. Whether it’s family, friends, or a support network, social connection is key for mental well-being.

Make sure you have a communication plan in place with your loved ones—this will not only help reduce uncertainty but also ensure you’re checking in with one another for emotional support.

Tip: If you’re feeling anxious or isolated, reach out to someone you trust. Even a short message or a quick chat can make a big difference in how you’re feeling.

4. Practice Self-Compassion

During times of crisis, it’s easy to be hard on yourself. You might find yourself feeling overwhelmed or frustrated with your emotional reactions. It’s important to practice self-compassion—treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend who’s struggling.

A few simple affirmations can go a long way:

• “I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough.”

• “It’s okay to feel anxious right now.”

• “I am not alone. Help is available when I need it.”

These positive affirmations can help to gently shift your mindset and reduce feelings of guilt or frustration.

5. Seek Professional Support

If you feel that the emotional toll of the cyclone is affecting your well-being, it’s okay to seek professional support. Talking to a counsellor can help you process your emotions, offer coping strategies, and give you the space to discuss any concerns you might be holding onto.

During this time, I’m offering online counselling sessions to ensure you can access the support you need from the comfort of your home. Whether you need help managing anxiety, grief, or simply someone to talk to, I’m here to support you through this.

6. Essential Mental Health Resources and Contacts

Sometimes, having the right support at your fingertips can make all the difference. Below are a few key mental health resources and emergency contacts available to you:

• Lifeline Australia:
  13 11 14
  24/7 confidential support for anyone experiencing a crisis, emotional distress, or thoughts of suicide.
  Lifeline Website

• Beyond Blue:
  1300 22 4636
  Support for anyone dealing with anxiety, depression, or mental health challenges.
  Beyond Blue Website

• Kids Helpline:
  1800 55 1800
  A confidential service for young people seeking help with a range of issues.
  Kids Helpline Website

• Mental Health Access Line (NSW):
  1800 011 511
  If you’re in NSW and need mental health support, this service can connect you to local mental health professionals.

7. Stay Informed with These Apps

In addition to emotional support, staying informed about the weather and safety updates is essential during a storm. Here are two apps that can help:

• Hazards Near Me:
  This app keeps you updated on local hazards, including cyclones, floods, and bushfires. You can receive real-time alerts and report any hazards you encounter.
  Hazards Near Me Website

• SES (State Emergency Service) App:
  The SES app provides timely emergency alerts and safety information, including evacuation routes and local shelter locations.
  SES Website

Both of these apps can help you stay safe and informed throughout Cyclone Alfred.

8. Take Small Steps to Prepare

While we can’t control the weather, we can take small steps to ensure our safety and well-being. Here are a few tips for preparing for the cyclone:

• Check your emergency kit: Ensure you have essentials like water, medications, and important documents ready.

• Create a communication plan: Make sure you have a plan for staying in touch with loved ones.

• Keep emergency numbers handy: Have numbers for local emergency services easily accessible in case you need them.

Conclusion: You Are Not Alone

Cyclone Alfred brings with it a lot of uncertainty, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone in this. Many of us are feeling the weight of the storm, both physically and emotionally, but by practicing self-care, reaching out for support, and staying informed, we can weather this together.

I am here to support you—online sessions are available during this time to ensure you have access to the support you need. If you need a safe space to talk, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Take care of yourself, stay safe, and know that it’s okay to lean on others when you need it.

Book an Online Session:
To book an online session or learn more about the support I offer, please visit www.ccwalktalk.com.au.