As the 13th February approaches, it is worth thinking about how you want to handle the anniversary of the devastating storm that hit our district so hard this time last year.
Healing through time
Anniversaries are a time of collective and personal remembrance; a time when we note the passage of time: what happened then and where we are at now. Around anniversaries, people may compare their situation or feel the weight of expectation of others. People may also have their own expectations of how ‘recovered’ they should be and feel frustrated about their situation.
Recovery from disasters can be a slow and stressful process and milestones like anniversaries can make you think that recovery should be over. However everyone recovers differently, there is no one thing or time that marks the end.
Sensory reminders can also be particularly strong around the anniversary, for example, the weather and light are similar and summer storms and wind can bring on a stress response.
Despite all this, anniversaries are valuable, particularly as we get past the ‘first’ of everything. As Dr. Rob Gordon says:
“Anniversaries are a very important part of creating a sense of history. Putting things into the past helps us to put the present into perspective, allowing us to recover.”
Tips for looking after yourself:
- It’s ok to share, talk to people you trust about the event and your own reactions;
- Spend time with friends and family; make time to be together.
- Do something for yourself that makes you feel good;
- Check in on yourself – eat well, exercise and review your sleep routines
- Find things to look forward to and be positive about.
Recovering together
If you feel up to it, there are a range of free activities happening in Mirboo North in February and March which may provide you with the opportunity for enjoyment or connection. Many of those activities are noted in the flyer in the centre of this article, but more will be popping up on social media and in future editions.
From kids yoga to a pool party, from whittling workshops to an insurance preparedness information session; from a subsidised community lunch at the Mirboo North Hotel to Restore and Relax sessions through BooFIIT: there is a lot of variety.
Sometimes personal recovery needs to be supported by specialist knowledge to ensure that stress doesn’t linger unnecessarily or lead to other health problems. Stress problems can resolve with advice from professionals. If you are feeling there is no one to talk to, if you are depressed or over anxious, discuss with your GP or call into the Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Morwell (1800 571 142).
This article from the Community Foundation is based on the Australian Red Cross’ flier on Preparing for Disaster Anniversaries.
If you want to read the full document or find out more call into Co-space at 96 Ridgway.