Australian bushfires - resources, education and support

Hot days and the potential risk of more bushfires can lead to increased anxiety for many people. Children are also vulnerable, and the increased media coverage and discussion in the community, schools and at home about fires can raise their alarm. Parents and carers can help children to be aware of the threats, but also reassure them that they are safe and secure.

This information sheet can help parents and carers to look after children who are anxious about the threat of bushfires.

This information sheet will help parents and carers who are looking after children who have been affected by bushfires.

This series of information sheets provides general psychological strategies to help people to cope and recover after bushfires.

Following bushfires, many people’s way of thinking about the world and themselves may have shifted to have a very negative focus. 

This information sheet provides guidance about how to notice unhelpful thoughts and how to focus on helpful alternatives. 

One of the best things we can do for ourselves following a traumatic experience is to spend time with people who care about us, and to feel the social support of friends, family and the community. This information sheet provides some useful strategies for how to make connections with others.

Doing activities that are enjoyable is very important as a way of gaining a sense of control and purpose in life, and for giving pleasure. 

This information sheet provides guidance about the importance of giving yourself permission to do some of the things you have enjoyed in the past, persevering, and planning ahead so as to have things to look forward to. 

Even after the danger of the bushfires has long passed, people can experience upsetting reactions, and these can go on for weeks, months or years.

This information sheet outlines four steps to managing emotional distress.

Following bushfires, people can struggle with a variety of problems, from how to clean up their house block to worrying about arguments with their partner, or struggling to supervise children adequately in a new or altered environment.

This information sheet outlines four steps to solving problems.