Trigger warning: Some people have had firsthand experience with bushfires, and reading about them may cause stress. This article contains historical details about bushfires.
In early 2020, as the Black Summer fires ravaged Australia, about half of us were grappling with bushfire anxiety, according to a university-led survey.1
Further research indicates that many people living in communities severely affected by bushfires live with bushfire trauma – including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – long after the event.2
What does this mean for our mental health as we head into another bushfire season?
“I think nearly everyone in Australia was impacted in some way by the Black Summer bushfires,” says Enterprise Professor Nicole Sadler, Director and CEO of Phoenix Australia, the National Centre of Excellence in Posttraumatic Mental Health.
“We’re exposed to reminders, for example media coverage – particularly coverage saying it’s likely to be another difficult (bushfire) season.”
Nicole says other reminders may be events such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve, given the timing of Black Summer, as well as sensory triggers, such as the smell of smoke.
“And then there’s also this general anxiety around climate change and hearing that we’re likely to see more of these bigger events, more frequently,” she says.
What does bushfire anxiety feel like?
According to the Black Dog Institute, an Australian organisation dedicated to mental health research and support, anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia.3 In the context of bushfires, Nicole says it can show up in a few different ways.
“People might start to worry about what could happen, or may be in a constant state of alertness, monitoring what’s going on,” she says.
“Memories can also be stored as a physical response, so we may start to get some physical sensations, remembering that feeling of fear, concern, or of things being out of control.”
“For some people this might be quite mild and intermittent, but others may find the intensity or frequency of those reactions doesn’t dissipate,” says Nicole, who adds this can interfere with daily life and behaviours – for example, the ability to sleep or focus on other things.
The causes of trauma in bushfires in those who’ve been directly impacted may include witnessing catastrophic damage, becoming displaced, and losing a loved one or a pet.4 And for some people, Nicole says, there’s also a risk of experiencing flashbacks and distressing dreams.
“So, it’s this continuum of some people having a little bit of anxiety because of memories of what happened last time, all the way to it becoming really quite overwhelming and intrusive for others,” she says.
What to do if you’re feeling anxious
If you’re experiencing bushfire anxiety, Nicole suggests the following strategies may help you to cope.
Prepare for bushfire season
Nicole says being prepared is not only practical but it may also help to alleviate some anxiety, particularly if you live in a bushfire-prone area.
“Having a sense of ‘I’ve done what I can to prepare my property and my family, and we know what to do’, gives you some sense of control, which can be helpful,” she says.
A good start for bushfire preparation is to outline your bushfire survival plan.
Look after yourself
“Check in and ask yourself whether the coping strategies you’re using are useful or not,” says Nicole.
Nicole adds that simple techniques, such as breathing exercises, can be effective for managing the symptoms of anxiety.
“General self-care at this time is important too – trying to get enough sleep, eating well, going for a walk – all the classic things that we know are good for us.”
Stay connected
While it’s not uncommon for people who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety to isolate themselves, Nicole says that doing the opposite may be better for overall health.
“Really engaging in social support networks is, in terms of what the research shows, the very best thing people can do to prepare for, respond to and recover from things which are difficult,” she suggests.
“In thinking about your social networks, consider how you can provide support to others, as well as where and who you get support from.”
Limit your exposure
Unless it’s a period when you’re directly under threat, Nicole suggests containing how and when you engage with bushfire coverage and updates, to help manage your anxiety levels.
“You might decide to give yourself 10 minutes to engage with it in the morning and the evening so that you’re up to date but also feel like you have control,” says Nicole.
“And try the same approach for worrying. It’s okay to spend a certain amount of time doing that but try to pull away from letting yourself ruminate about it all day.”
Seek professional support
“If you find that the frequency and intensity of how you’re thinking, feeling or behaving is having a negative impact on your quality of life or your ability to meet your responsibilities, getting some professional assistance is a good idea,” says Nicole.
“There are some really good strategies, which people can learn, and the earlier you put those things in place, the better.”
Support services are available
If you need mental health support regarding a natural disaster such as a bushfire, the following services may be helpful:
- Beyond Blue provides mental health information and a support service that offers counselling sessions, either online or if you call 1300 22 46 36. You can also learn what different mental health professionals do and find one that might suit you.5
- Phoenix Australia has information and resources if you’ve experienced a traumatic event or you’re supporting someone who has.6
- Lifeline provides access to 24/7 crisis support. Call 13 11 14. Lifeline also has a dedicated bushfire trauma counselling support line for people recovering from a bushfire – call 13 43 57.7
At Youi, home insurance includes counselling services provided by an accredited counsellor as a result of an incident where a claim has been accepted for loss or damage to the insured property. Youi will pay up to $1,500 per person for each claim.8
How to help kids with bushfire anxiety
As a first step, Nicole recommends validating and acknowledging children’s worries. “Ask them what they’re concerned about and why – in other words, where are they hearing about the things that are worrying them?”
“Then, it’s about trying to put those things into perspective,” she says. “In an age-appropriate way, talk to them about how realistic the risks are for you and your family and about the plans you have in place, to reassure them about their safety.”
“Answer any questions they have honestly but simply by keeping to the facts, and limit their exposure not only to media, but also to adult conversations so that you’re not passing your own anxieties on or exposing them unnecessarily to things.”
Nicole also suggests encouraging children to use strategies that may help control their anxiety, such as controlling their breathing and positive self-talk.
Kids Helpline – contactable on 1800 55 1800 – offers support for children aged five years and over, including access to counselling, as well as useful self-help information.9 And headspace, Australia’s national youth mental health foundation, provides mental health services to 12- to 25-year-olds – call 1800 650 890.10
For more tips to help you get bushfire ready, visit our you.prepared emergency content hub.
The content in this article has been prepared based on current government and emergency services guidelines and expert advice provided at the time of publishing. This information is subject to change. Please be sure to check for the latest information and always consider your personal circumstances regarding bushfire preparedness and response.
Where you have increased your cover or reduced your excess within 72 hours (or other period noted on your policy schedule) of a flood, storm, hail or bushfire occurring, cover will be limited to the amount that was effective prior to the change. Loss, damage or legal liability caused by, resulting or arising from flood, storm, hail or bushfire during the first 72 hours (or other period noted on your policy schedule) of your policy first being purchased is excluded unless certain conditions apply. Refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for full T&Cs.
1 Source: Australian National University Centre for Social Research & Methods – Exposure and the impact on attitudes of the 2019-20 Australian Bushfires, February 2020
2 Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – Natural environment and health, July 2024
3 Source: Black Dog Institute – Signs & symptoms of anxiety
4 Source: Lifeline – Natural disasters
5 Source: Beyond Blue – Get mental health support
6 Source: Phoenix Australia – Treatment is available to support recovery from trauma
7 Source: Lifeline – Natural disasters
8 Exclusions, limits and additional fees may apply. See our Home & Contents PDS for full details.
9 Source: Kids Helpline – About Kids Helpline
10 Source: headspace – Who we are
