Relationships Australia to Help Queensland’s Healing Process

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In particular a number of staff from the Toowoomba and Head office venues have been providing direct support in the Lockyer Valley through crisis counselling teams coordinated by Lifeline Toowoomba and Qld Health. “This is difficult and traumatic work and the need for us to be present in this region will continue for a long time to come,” said Relationships Australia (QLD) CEO Shane Klintworth. “During a natural disaster of this proportion the first response is generally a call to action, people busy themselves doing what they can to have a productive impact on recovering from the disaster. The second impact time is somewhat more complicated in that it normally hits once life starts to resemble normal once again, after the clean up is over, and life is functional again. It is at this time that we slow down and the grief and loss catches up with us. It is critical that we support ourselves and one another through both of these impact times,” said Mr Klintworth. “ We understand Qld has a long road ahead to recovery, however, as we see strangers become friends through enormous clean up efforts across the state, we should feel proud as a state that we can get through this together, with relationships strengthened and renewed”. Tips for managing immediately after the crisis:

• Don’t be afraid to talk about how you are feeling
• Physical productivity assists with the sense of moving forward and is therapeutic, but be
• careful no to overdo it
• Don’t allow the clean up to consume you 24/7, take time for a conversation with a friend, or
• a walk or drive to change the scenery, even 5 minutes helps.
• Remember to eat regularly, be mindful of sleeping patterns, and monitor alcohol
• consumption
• Set yourself a reasonable ‘to do’ list each day
• Accept help that is offered, don’t go it alone
• Stay connected with family, friends, community supports

Tips for managing after things settle down:

• Reflect positively on your achievements in pulling everything back together
• Reflect on those family or friends or neighbours that helped out, also on what you have
• done or others
• Continue to talk about the experience when you need to
• This may be a good time to talk to someone with skills in the area, a local community
• counselling service can assist.

Relationships Australia support, connect and enhance the lives and relationships of individuals, families and communities through counselling, mediation / separation, education and support services. For more information about how Relationships Australia can support you and your family through this difficult time or to make an appointment please call 1300 364 277