HEALTH ADVICE AND SUPPORT
On this page:
Health NSW advice
Please visit the NSW Health website for information on:
- Air Quality Index
- How to protect yourself from bushfire smoke
- Returing home safely
- Steps to take if you have lost your Medicare, DVA or Centrelink card, medication or prescription/s
- Advice for pharmacists in bushfire impacted areas
- Advice for general practioners in bushfire impacted areas
- Information for child care centres
Mental health support
It's completely normal to experience a range of emotions after a fire, including anxiety, forgetfulness, sleep disturbance and more.
Having someone to listen to and support you through this is very important.
Check in on your friends and neighbours, and if you or someone you know needs help, reach out.
The following are free services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Mensline – 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
- Beyondblue – 1300 22 4636
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000.
Some tips on managing your recovery include:
- Spend time with family and friends
- Try to get back into a routine
- Continue a healthy lifestyle (eating, sleeping, exercise)
- Take time out but don't isolate yourself
- Express your feelings in your own way
- Accept help when it is offered
- Limit the amount of media coverage you are exposed to
- Don't expect to have all the answers
- Understand you are not alone in your experience.
Keep checking in with your friends and neighbours and looking out for each other.
Fact sheets
Mental Health Support - How are you going? (pdf)
Mental Health Support - Let's talk (pdf)