Mental health and wellbeing after the floods
It is normal to experience a range of physical, mental, emotional and behavioural reactions following an emergency or distressing event, including natural disasters.
If you, or someone you know, needs extra support during this time, you can speak with your local doctor, a mental health professional, a counsellor or a psychologist.
It can also be helpful to talk to someone independent, but still understanding. The following services are here for you or others you know.
You can also visit these websites for information and resources:
Department of Health – Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub
Better Health Channel – Trauma
Australian Red Cross – Resources about disasters
Victorian Flood Recovery Hotline
The Victorian Flood Recovery Hotline is a single state-wide number, 1800 560 760, that people affected by the 2022 floods can call for help or assistance with:
- a range of clean-up services
- finding somewhere to stay
- financial, mental health and other support.
The recovery hotline is open from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday and 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and public holidays.
Wellbeing support
Lifeline
A 24-hour telephone service that offers confidential support and advice to help you deal with stress and personal challenges.
Vist Lifeline or call Lifeline Crisis Support Line on 13 11 14.
Australian Red Cross
The Australian Red Cross supports and visits people in communities where disaster has occurred to check on their wellbeing and make referrals to other agencies. They have also developed a range of resources for natural disasters and emergencies including looking after yourself and others, tips for returning to your property and help to manage long-term stress and wellbeing.
Visit Australian Red Cross: Emergencies or call 1800 733 276.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides services for people during disaster and community recovery.
Victorian Council of Churches Emergency Ministry
Victorian Council of Churches Emergency Ministry specialises in disaster response. Providing psychosocial support including:
- psychological first aid
- emotional and spiritual care
- personal support in relief and recovery centres and through community outreach
- direct visits
- community meetings
- gatherings
Beyond Blue flood support
An information line that offers expert information on depression; how to recognise the signs of depression, how to get help, how to help someone else and how to stay well. Includes support information, resources and support for looking after your mental health after natural disasters. Beyond Blue also offers a free 24/7 telephone and online counselling service.
Visit Beyond Blue: Natural disasters and your mental health or call 1300 224 636.
Mensline Australia
A telephone support, information and referral service, helping men deal with their relationship problems.
Visit Mensline or call 1300 789 978.
Nurse on Call
A 24-hour telephone service that allows people to discuss any health-related issue with a registered nurse for the cost of a local call.
Visit Heath Direct: Nurse on Call or ring 1300 60 60 24.
Australian Psychological Society referral service
Access thousands of psychologists who are in private practice. Seek qualified and trusted psychologists for assistance in a range of areas.
Visit Australian Psychological Society referral service or call 1800 333 497.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre
Safe Steps provides confidential support for women and children living with family violence. 24/7 telephone crisis line.
Visit Safe Steps or call 1800 015 188.
Resources for families
Kids Helpline
A 24-hour telephone service that provides phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Visit Kids Helpline or call 1800 551 800.
Parentline Victoria
Qualified counsellors available 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week, including public holidays. A telephone service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years old, which offers confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues.
Visit Parentline or call 13 22 89.
Birdie’s Tree
Illustrated stories, therapeutic games and resources to help children aged 0-5 years understand different emergencies and work through their feelings.
Visit Birdie’s Tree for access.
Phoenix Australia
Resources and information for parents to help their children after a traumatic event.
Visit Phoenix for more information.
Relationships Australia
Leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities.
Visit Relationships Australia or call 1300 364 277.
Australia Red Cross resources
- Red Cross: Parenting, coping with crisis PDF (945 KB) – Booklet containing information about some of the reactions and suggests ways to cope after an emergency
- Red Cross: Helping children and young people cope with crisis PDF (2.2 MB) – Booklet designed to help parents understand why and how children might react to challenging and overwhelming experiences and help parents respond to the needs of their children.
Headspace
Resources, information and support for people aged 12-25 and those caring for them.
Visit Headspace for more information.
Disaster Legal Help
For free legal advice, assistance and referrals for people affected by a disaster including help with tenancy, insurance or property damage, parenting arrangement or bail. Phone service, weekdays 8 am to 6 pm.
Disaster Legal Help Victoria hotline – 1800 113 432