South Australia’s chief psychiatrist is recommending Murray River communities search psychological well being help sooner fairly than later as they enter the restoration part of final month’s flood occasion.

Many residents of the Riverland and Murraylands had weeks to organize for the inflow of water travelling downstream from neighbouring Victoria.

But this longer pre-disaster interval prompted uncertainty, stress and sleepless nights, particularly for these able to evacuate, akin to Old Calperum resident Sharleen Lloyd.

“It was pretty scary because this is the first time our levee bank’s been through a flood, so we didn’t really know if that was gonna cope,” she mentioned.

“Were we gonna wake up at 2am with water at our feet … trying to get the animals out if we had to do an emergency evacuation?”

Ms Lloyd says the help of family and friends throughout that disturbing time was essential to protecting her household’s spirits excessive.

“The previous owner was ringing all the time, just asking if the levee’s held and if we were OK,” she mentioned.

Long-term issues

SA Health chief psychiatrist John Brayley mentioned whereas the interval instantly following a pure catastrophe might be a reduction, it was essential for these impacted to contemplate their long-term psychological well being. 

“The initial post-response phase can actually be quite a positive time because there’s community bonding, disaster relief agencies are present and voluntary agencies are helping,” he mentioned. 

As a part of its flood response, the state authorities dedicated $1 million in psychological well being funding to these flood-affected communities.  

The package deal affords impacted residents elevated telehealth help, in addition to extra casual native providers akin to neighborhood counselling. 

Dr Brayley mentioned it was particularly essential for folks to entry help early. 

“It’s fairly clear … that if people get counselling earlier, it can have a positive effect on their future,” he mentioned. 

Care inside communities

Mid Murray Council Mayor Simone Bailey is encouraging locals who’ve been impacted by the flood occasion to speak it out in the neighborhood.

Ms Bailey has been part of the Mid Murray Suicide Prevention Network for 2 years.

She says she has witnessed the group “significantly change lives”.

After seeing devastating scenes in cities akin to Blanchetown and Morgan, Ms Bailey organised the primary of many espresso catch ups, giving locals an area to debate their wellbeing.

“What we’ve learnt is that getting out and talking can help a lot. When we’re having these coffee and chat sessions, we’re suggesting that communities get together, have a barbecue and talk to your mates.”