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Life after bushfires

How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

YouAreNotAloneSenior Contributor20 Nov 2020, 5:44 pm AEDT

How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

I don't know about anyone else, but golly, I could worry myself sick with how afraid I am of this bushfire season.

I had a nightmare not too long ago where I was with friends and saw the fires in the distance. I packed my stuff up quickly, only to go outside and have a flat tyre on my car, as the fire crowned around me. Thank god it was just a dream--but it made me SUPER on edge.

I'm so hyperaware of everything potentially fire-related around me. It's exhasuting and tiring. But fingers crossed we can actually have a good New Year's Eve this year, rather than running for our lives. I feel super anxious and stressed. I think I'll flinch at every Fires Near Me app alert. To help with my anxiety though, I'm going to make sure we're prepared for fire: even if nothing happens. I'm also seeing my psychologist regularly and talking to people, making sure I don't bottle it up. And keeping my self-care as good as I can.

How is everyone going? Has it been impacting you much? How have you coped?

16 replies

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In response to: How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

BurntSenior Contributor07 Dec 2020, 5:22 pm AEDT

Re: How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

I may have to steal that quote and write it on my mirror to read every morning. X @Daisydreamer

In response to: How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

IamNOTaloneContributor07 Dec 2020, 8:26 pm AEDT

Re: How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

@YouAreNotAlone I am anxious for this upcoming season.

In response to: How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

PowderfingerSenior Contributor07 Dec 2020, 9:58 pm AEDT

Re: How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

@Daisydreamer

I'm.glad you found a quote that resonates for you regarding PTSD.

In response to: How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

YouAreNotAloneSenior Contributor09 Dec 2020, 5:41 pm AEDT

Re: How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

@Burnt I definitely hope this NYE is different!!!! There was an alert for a fire in my area earlier today and I flew into a panic. Just in case, I'm also packing a bag . . . and making sure we have food and water so that if we're without power again, we'll be okay. I get what you mean; I've been putting it off as well.

@Burnt wrote:
@YouAreNotAlone Very normal behaviour !
I think most of us are, feelings resurfacing and the danger getting higher.
I don’t know what to pack in my go to bag. I’ve been putting it off, I just can’t bring myself to do it.
Lets remember this nye will be totally different and we all deserve to enjoy it!

In response to: How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

YouAreNotAloneSenior Contributor09 Dec 2020, 5:44 pm AEDT

Re: How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

Hey @Daisydreamer,

That's a good idea to make sure you do self-care and distraction on hot days. Unfortunately I tend to bite off more than I can chew, so I don't have much free time for TLC!

I talk to people in my community, but am also conscious of not wanting to bring it to the forefront when a lot of people don't want to talk about it.

And @Burnt and @Fizz, yes ❤️ the rain is absolutely gorgeous. Let's hope it's enough!

In response to: Re: How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

YouAreNotAloneSenior Contributor09 Dec 2020, 5:46 pm AEDT

Re: How is everyone coping, now we're going back into bushfire season?

@IamNOTalone

Feels. So so so so so much anxiety. Especially when a fire truck goes speeding past, or the Fires Near Me app pings.

One of the other contributors earlier wrote about adding in extra self care on days when it's hotter/the anxiety gets worse. I know it's hard but that's what I'm going to try and do--is that something you can as well?

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Torres Strait Islander flag

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SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.