Learning Connection
Natural disasters such as floods, bushfires and earthquakes throughout the world can cause people to experience unusually strong reactions which may interfere with their normal ability to function. Although each person will react differently there are common responses that are experienced by those involved in, or those with family or friends affected by such events. Each person will react differently and their response will depend on their personal circumstance, temperament and life at the time. Some people react immediately, some after a period of time, some intensely and some hardly at all.
If you or your family have been affected by a natural disaster the following information could be useful:
Coming to terms with devastating events requires significant adjustment in a person’s life. It can affect their physical and emotional well-being, their behaviour and their thinking. Outlined below are are some of the normal reactions that are part of the recovery process as people try to make sense of what has happened.
Change in sleep patterns, disturbed sleep, distressing dreams/nightmares, fatigue, nausea, changes in appetite, dizziness, fainting, headaches, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, chest pain (if this happens seek medical advice), feelings of weakness, tremors and/or feeling uncoordinated.
Feeling shock, fear, anger, sadness, shame, guilt, irritability, depression, grief, overwhelmed, abandoned or powerless, worrying about others, wanting to hide, feeling unsafe and/or anticipating danger.
Feeling irritated by others, avoiding or detaching from others, increase in use of cigarettes and/or alcohol, increase in use of other drugs, change in eating pattern, not wanting to study or pushing yourself to study, increased urgency about study, loss of motivation, loss of interest in normal activities, change in sexual activity, loss of routine and/or routine becomes more rigid.
Thinking others don't care/aren't interested/won't understand, frequent thoughts of the event, flashbacks, trying to avoid painful memories, believing nothing else is important except the event, poor concentration, poor attention span, poor memory, difficulty making decisions, difficulty solving problems, confusion, disorientation, irrational thinking, difficulty making calculations, difficulty recalling names and/or slow thinking.
If you are experiencing some of the reactions listed above here is a list of useful tips that may help you cope as you come to terms with what has happened. These tips are compiled from comments made by others who have found the strategies useful:
Some people benefit from extra help during this period, which may extend for some months. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. Often the help needed will be only short and simple but can prevent long-term problems.
You might ask for extra help if:
If you or your family have been affected by a natural disaster there are many supports available to help you at this time. Most students will be able to cope with support from friends, family and Learning Connection. Assistance at Learning Connection can be accessed by contacting an International Student Advisor or Counsellor on any of the metropolitan campuses. Learning Connection can help you to:
All information will be strictly confidential.
Contact details for Learning Connection are on our website.
Managing a personal crisis is a resource that will help you understand the nature of crisis situations, some common responses and the way the Counselling Services at Learning Connection can assist you through these times.
If you wish to seek specific information about your country’s citizens, the University recommends that you contact your embassy or consulate in Australia. For embassy and consulate contact details, go to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website .
