This has been an incredibly difficult summer so far hasn’t it. While we’ve had the joys of long, warm days and opportunities to celebrate with friends and family, we have also all been witness to the devastation of the bush fires raging across our country. For some that will have meant being immediately affected by the fires, and for others seeing it unfold through the news and social media and seeing the smoke haze that is filling the air.
Taking care of yourself can be hard at a time like this. It is easy to feel flooded and overloaded with information. It is also easy to feel overwhelmed, angry, hopeless, worried, devastated or despairing, perhaps about what’s happening today, perhaps about tomorrow, perhaps about the future of our country and the world. It is also easy to feel guilty for being OK, for not being directly impacted by the fires and to be able to be at home or at work, or out with friends having a good time. Knowing what to do with those feelings isn’t always easy.
Start by trying compassion. Take some time to notice what you’re feeling and let yourself feel those feelings. Let yourself feel angry or to cry if you need to. Notice how your body feels and if you’ve got energy in your body that needs some attention. Be kind to yourself, show yourself compassion and compare yourself to no one – this is your response, your journey.
Turn your energy into action. Donate some money or some food and goods to Food Bank, make some animal pouches to donate to wildlife centres, volunteer your time or stay connected to community noticeboards for information about what is needed in your area. It can be very healing to know that you have been able to help and contribute. As the great Greta Thurnberg says, “no one is too small”.
It is also important to know that it is OK to turn off the news if you are feeling flooded as setting personal boundaries is really important when taking care of oneself; turning off the news or taking a step back from social media doesn’t mean you aren’t interested or don’t care. Show yourself some kindness, step back, breathe and reconnect when you’re ready.
Finally, allow yourself to access support if you need it. Talk to others and share your experiences, and say yes to offers of support and connection.
If you would like some support, then give us a call to make an appointment with one of our team of Psychologists.
Blog prepared and written by Dr Victoria Miller - Clinical Psychologist at MWG.