Accessing Support in Trying Times
Wow what a week it has been! We all knew that this year we would experience higher rainfall and, frankly, compared to a couple of years ago, we didn’t think we would mind! However, it would be fair to say that we didn’t expect the rainfall we have received and the flooding that came with it. It has made a massive mess of farmland around us and through so many outlying areas - Forbes, Narrabri, Warren, Gilgandra and the list goes on.
It is crazy to think that in the past 5 years we have experienced crippling droughts, plagues, bush fires and now floods. We have talked about this before and it just goes to show that country people are built tough! Really you have to be, to live out here on the land. We are a special kind of people, us country people!
So how can we help these people in need? Here is a list of local organisations that you could contact to offer support, volunteering, and donations.
SES - Donations
Orana Support Services
Orana branch of the Salvation Army
Country Women's Association
Connecting Community Services
If you know someone that has been affected by these recent floods, remember that sometimes the best help you can provide is to be someone who will listen when they need to talk. Here are some tips from Beyond Blue.
“I’m here for you”
Anxiety and depression can make people feel very isolated and alone. Hearing someone say explicitly that they’ll be there, and will stick by you during recovery, can really help. Of course, it’s most important that you follow through on that promise.
“I can see this is a really hard time for you”
Validating that the experience of anxiety and depression is difficult is one of the most helpful things you can say. The least helpful statements are those that shut down the conversation (“I know how you feel”, “just snap out of it”, “you’re attention seeking”, “think more positively”, “you’ll be right”, “just get over it”).
“I am not sure what to do, but we can figure it out together”
You don’t have to always have the answers – and it’s best not to pretend you do. What’s important is that you’re willing to stick around and help them figure out how to start feeling better.
“What can I do to help?”
Ask them to be honest about how you can help them. The support they need will change throughout their recovery, so be prepared to be flexible. Taking initiative and doing small things to show you care can also help.
“I know it doesn’t feel like it, but there is hope that things will get better”
Encourage hope. Remind them that anxiety and depression are treatable, and with the right support, most people recover.
As always, stay safe out there and take care of yourself.