7 March 2025 - As Cyclone Alfred approaches the South East Coast of QLD and Northern NSW, the APS acknowledges the emotional distress and physical demands this major weather event may be causing for many Australians, including psychologists who may be supporting others as well as themselves, amidst challenging circumstances.
APS President Dr Sara Quinn said the social, emotional and psychological impact on all those affected – including emergency services staff and volunteers – could not be underestimated.
"The APS, including our 25,000 members around Australia, is deeply concerned about the potential immediate and long-term trauma and psychological impacts on people of all ages, families and communities Cyclone Alfred may cause", Dr Quinn added.
"Some psychological impact is a normal response to a disaster situation and shouldn't be pathologised, however we are concerned about more acute, long-term impacts and encourage all those affected, as well as our colleagues in the psychology community in the region, to prepare psychologically for Cyclone Alfred.
"Once your household cyclone emergency plan has been set and you've prepared emergency kits, planned your evacuation strategy, and practiced your plan, it is then time to prepare psychologically.
"Research shows that people are more likely to stick with a household plan if they are able to effectively manage their emotions in an emergency (that is, being psychologically prepared)," said Dr Quinn.
The APS has free community resources available to help adults and children prepare psychologically for a cyclone.
"Many people will find the news and images of the unfolding events upsetting, and for some, previous experiences of traumatic events will be reactivated.
"Cyclone Alfred comes at a time when many people in Australia are already under psychological strain, and we urge anyone struggling to reach out for mental health support," Dr Quinn added.
For anyone experiencing distress, or being impacted by current events, the APS suggests the following four steps to be psychologically prepared:
- Anticipate that the situation will be stressful
- Identify your typical physical and emotional responses
- Manage your feelings and thoughts with simple breathing and self-talk
- Engage meaningfully with at least one trusted person.
The APS provides support to those who work or volunteer in highly stressful or demanding roles in response to disasters, emergencies, and other community events through its Disaster Response Network (DRN).
The DRN is a national volunteer network of APS psychologists who have completed additional training and work with Primary Health Networks, NGOs and other emergency service providers to proactively check the mental health of frontline and emergency support workers.
The APS calls for government to expand the psychological workforce to deal with the lasting impacts of natural disasters, on top of the cost-of-living crisis and other social challenges.
