Managing stress during emergencies

As the impact of an emergency becomes clear, people will have a range of needs that may be addressed by local services. The impact of an emergency can be stressful and exhausting, and people are encouraged to look after themselves in this period. People who readily use formal and informal support from family, friends or other support organisations are generally found to recover better from stressful situations. Access to information and support will aid recovery for most people. Sharing fact sheets on this website with family and friends may help you, and help them to better support you.

People affected by an incident are encouraged to make use of GPs, clergy, 24 hour telephone help lines, or specialist counselling and support services available. Talking it over with others often helps recovery from exposure to traumatic events - prevention is better than cure.

Counselling and health advice

Telephone counselling services:

Lifeline
Parentline
Kids Helpline

General health advice:

Talk to your local community health service or doctor. You can find your nearest doctor or Community Health Service on the Better Health Channel.

NURSE-ON-CALL is a phone service that allows you to discuss any health related issue with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria.