Thousands of North Islanders are facing uncertainty, loss and grief in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.
How can people get the psychological support they need?
Photo: Joshua Bos / Unsplash
Anxiety, anger, sadness and grief are natural responses to one-off disaster events like this, but as long as our basic needs we will come through okay on the other side, says clinical psychologist Sarb Johal.
Food, water, shelter and communication with loved ones are these basic needs, Johal tells Kathryn Ryan.
Listen to Sarb Johal on Nine to Noon
Sarb Johal Photo: Penguin New Zealand
Many people are still deep in response mode, trying to understand what's going on, says Johal, who specialises in emergency response.
Those grieving – over the loss of life, property, land and community – will need to talk about it.
On a community level, Johal says it's critical as many people as possible are involved in the exchange of information and coming up with ideas about what happens next.
"Involving communities helps them start to tackle this sense of powerlessness and having no control over the situation they're in. [It helps people] to develop a sense of agency."
Eventually, schools will play an important role in providing children affected by the cyclone with structure and safety – while enabling adults to get on with tasks they need to be doing.
Until this time, these children need routine and a sense of safety and social connection built back into their lives as soon as possible, Johal says.
He recommends parents reassure their kids that they're doing the best they can to protect them – and understand they might also be worrying about you.
"Often when children are separated from their parents in times of emergency they can spend time worrying about what's happening to that parent and if they're putting themselves into dangerous situations."
On a personal level, Johal encourages people to take things one day at a time and give themselves space to process their emotions and feel upset and even angry (without lashing out).
Focus on what you can bring to and receive from the daily 'micro experiences' you have interacting with loved ones and also acquaintances and strangers.
"How can you express manakitanga [compassion], friendliness and care in this time of challenge?"
Johal recommends people are also aware of how much time they're spending on 'micro distractions' that aren't so healthy.
"It's not great to be locked into this information-seeking, doom-scrolling… not that many people have internet connections in those areas ... but your psychology and your physiology needs breaks."
In times of stress, many of us reframe the things we enjoy as distractions and stop doing them - to our own detriment, he says.
To process the stress hormones floating around in your bloodstream and making you feel irritable or restless, a short walk outside can be really helpful, he says.
Related:
Sarb Johal's tips for coping with the mental stress of the unknown
The best way to combat anxiety is to focus on what you can control.
'There are always moments of light' - coping after a disaster
It's normal to feel overwhelmed by events out of our control, such as natural disasters, say experts. The important thing is how we re-train our brains and bodies to react.
Anxious kids - what can parents do?
Sarb Johal answers listeners' questions about children and anxiety
Where to get help:
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Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
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Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
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Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
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Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
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Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
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Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz
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What's Up: free counselling for 5 to 19 years old, online chat 11am-10.30pm 7days/week or free phone 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 11am-11pm
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Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm or text 832 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and English.
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Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
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Healthline: 0800 611 116
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Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
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OUTLine: 0800 688 5463 (6pm-9pm)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.