Brisbane Floods
My heart and prayers goes out to all those who have been affected by the floods. In some way, all of us will feel the impact of these tragic and trying times, whether through our own personal losses of loved ones, family, friends, or through physical loss of property and possessions.
The repercussions are enormous and mind-boggling. For example, new businesses that have now lost everything may not have the money to pay for the items they bought in the weeks or months prior to opening up their business.
We will be short on tradespeople to make the repairs, and rebuild, let alone complete insurance assessments. And of course, roads are cut so who can get to properties anyway.
What can you do if you know people who have been flooded, lost everything or lost loved ones?
Provide a listening ear and let them get out their story. Avoid touching the person unless they reach for you, as touch can interrupt the emotional flow and cause things to dam up again.
Ask what you can do to help, rather than taking over. If the person cannot think straight, and wants you to offer advice, then do that if you feel capable. Some people will be so stressed they cannot make a decision.
Avoid taking over and encourage the person to take control and praise them for their resourcefulness, their resilience and tell them that they are tough and will get through this, that there is light on the other side.
The more that friends and neighbours help each other, the better the outcomes.
If down the track, recovery from a mental perspective seems slow or does not seem to be happening, encourage the person to get professional help as it will make a difference.
I am holding you in positive thoughts, with positive energy and doing my bit to help as well.
Regards
Narelle
