Health and Wellbeing

FindHelpTAS is a self-funded community initiative led by a partnership of Tasmanian community service organisations, supported by the Tasmanian Council of Social Services (TasCOSS). This provides a comprehensive directory of services that may be useful or helpful in disaster or emergency situations.

Counselling and support services

There are many services waiting to listen and support anyone who needs advice or is worried, stressed or needs a friendly and understanding voice to talk things through.

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days)
• Lifeline Tasmania: 1800 98 44 34 (8am - 8pm, 7 days)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (24 hours, 7 days)
• MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 (24 hours, 7 days)
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (24 hours, 7 days)
• Headspace: 1800 650 890
• Rural Alive and Well (RAW): 1800 729 827 (24 hours, 7 days)
• ReachOut
• 13Yarn: 13 92 76 (24 hours, 7 days)
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (24 hours, 7 days)
• Alcohol and Drug Information Service and Family Drug Support: 1800 811 994
• Alcohol and Drug Services (Department of Health): 1300 139 641
• Quit Tasmania: 13 78 48
• Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs Council Tasmania

Looking after yourself following a traumatic event

Emergency events are traumatic and overwhelming events, they can cause emotional, physical and financial stress.

Everyone will feel different in the days, weeks and months that follow.  It is important to take notice of how you and those around you feel and behave in case extra support is needed.

What to expect

It is normal for people to have a strong reaction following a traumatic event. You might experience one or more of the following reactions:

Shock Feeling overwhelmed Feeling numb and detached	Images Nightmares Flashbacks of what happened	Attitudes Guilt or failure Questioning your actions
Physical reactions Cannot eat Feeling sick Cannot sleep	Emotions Fear Sadness Anger	Social Avoiding people Needing to talk about it
Thoughts Confusion Forget things	Behaviour Increased alcohol consumption

Taking care of yourself and others

Staying in touch with friends and family and talking about how you feel will be important in recovering after a traumatic event.

When and where should i get help?

Do not wait until things become too hard or you feel that you are doing it tough before speaking to someone.

When to get help If you are worried There is no-one to talk to You continue to feel upset Physical feelings worry you Loss of hope or interest in the future	Where to get help Family and friends Your doctor Social Work Services at your local Community Health Centre Local community groups Employer assistance programs
Looking after yourself Keep in touch with people you trust Talk about it Exercise Try to relax Give yourself time Take a pause and breathe slowly	Looking after others Listen to their worries Help with simple things Give them time to recover Let them show their feelings Remind them to eat and rest Ask what is important to them Reassure them about safety security

Safe from family and sexual violence

Everyone deserves to live free from fear and violence. In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).

During emergencies there is a greater sense of instability, insecurity and fear, loss of autonomy, and dependency on others for help. This can increase cases of family and sexual violence. Everyone deserves to live free from fear and violence.

The Safe from Violence website is Tasmania’s central point of information for family and sexual violence.

Safe from Violence provides information, online resources and links to support services about family and sexual violence.

For more information, please visit www.safefromviolence.tas.gov.au.

If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence call the Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral Line on 1800 633 937.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual violence call the Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 697 877.