A Guide for People with Mental Health Conditions
Understanding the Risks
Severe weather events like floods, cyclones, storms, bushfires and heatwaves can affect everyone, but they can be especially challenging for people living with mental health conditions. Emergency warnings, fast-changing situations and disruptions to daily routines can increase stress, anxiety or feelings of uncertainty.
Disasters may also interrupt access to medication, support workers, therapy appointments or safe routines that help you manage your wellbeing.
Planning ahead can help you feel more confident and in control if severe weather occurs. A simple plan, trusted support people and strategies to manage stress can make a big difference during an emergency.
Top 10 Tips to Prepare
Make a simple emergency plan
Write down what you will do if there is severe weather. Include where you might go, who you will contact and what you will take with you.
Identify people who can support you
Choose trusted family members, friends, neighbours or carers who can check in on you during emergencies.
Prepare an emergency kit
Include essentials like water, food, medication, phone chargers, important documents and items that help you feel calm or comfortable.
Plan for medication and treatment
Make sure you have enough medication for several days and keep prescriptions or medical information in your emergency kit.
Limit information overload
Too many news updates can increase stress. Choose one or two trusted sources for emergency information and check them regularly.
Practice calming strategies
Breathing exercises, grounding techniques or listening to music can help you stay calm during stressful situations.
Keep routines where possible
Even during disruptions, maintaining small routines like eating regularly or going for a short walk can help stabilise your wellbeing.
Know where you can go for support
Identify places where you feel safe such as a friend’s house, family home or an evacuation centre.
Save important contacts
Store crisis support numbers, mental health services and emergency contacts in your phone.
Check in with your support network
Let people know if you are feeling overwhelmed. Talking to someone you trust can help you stay calm and make clear decisions.
Free Support Services in Queensland
Mental Health Support
Lifeline Australia
24/7 crisis support and counselling
Phone: 13 11 14
Website: lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue Support Service
Support for anxiety, depression and mental health concerns
Phone: 1300 22 4636
Website: beyondblue.org.au
Head to Health
Connects people to local mental health services and online support
Website: headtohealth.gov.au
Disaster Recovery and Community Support
Community Recovery Hotline (Queensland Government)
Free support and information after disasters
Phone: 1800 173 349
Queensland Health Mental Health Services
Access to local public mental health services and crisis care.
Emergency and Crisis Help
Emergency Services
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger.
13 HEALTH
24-hour health advice line in Queensland
Phone: 13 43 25 84
Decision-Making Guide Before Severe Weather
| Situation | Questions to Ask Yourself | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing for a storm or flood | Am I feeling calm enough to follow my emergency plan? | Review your plan step by step and ask a support person to check in with you. |
| Staying at home | Will staying here make me feel safe or more anxious? | Create a calm space in your home with essentials, comfort items and emergency supplies otherwise, plan to be with friends or family until the severe weather has passed. |
| Thinking about leaving early | Would staying with friends, family or in a hotel help reduce my stress? | Arrange alternative accommodation that makes you feel most at ease, before conditions worsen. |
| Feeling overwhelmed by warnings | Am I getting too much information from news or social media? | Limit updates and rely on trusted sources like official emergency services. |
| Support and communication | Do the people I trust know how I am feeling and what my plan is? | Send a message or call someone in your support network. |
| Medication and health | Do I have enough medication and prescriptions if services are disrupted? | Pack medication in your emergency kit and keep prescriptions with you. |