General News
1 February, 2026
Call the doctor: Coping after catastrophe
GP and columnist Dr Felix Ritson addresses the trauma experienced after a catastrophic event with some helpful information for the community following the devastating fire on January 9.
Recently, our community was affected by bush fire.
Catastrophe is often complex and affects people in diverse and complex ways.
No two people will have the same experience, let alone respond in the same way.
I don’t possess the wisdom or experience to describe what individuals may be going through or provide any personal advice.
What I have seen and heard is how people are supporting and caring for one another. It is truly admirable and a testament to humanity.
The Royal College of General Practitioners has been reaching out to GPs in affected areas to offer support and guidance on how to support others.
For this column, I have taken quotes directly from this guidance and assembled them to summarise some of its content.
This content may be distressing to read.
Please avoid reading this if you feel vulnerable and seek assistance if reading this brings distress.
“Experiences range from those with the most direct exposure to the disaster, to those with contact only through what they have seen on the media; both groups may be affected.
"Their reactions may range from acute distress to denial and disbelief.
“(These) are common reactions people may show for days and sometimes up to weeks after a disaster.
”There is no right or wrong way to respond.
”Listen, comfort, and quietly accept.
”Some people may be helped by talking, for others talking may make it more difficult, or it may not be the right time.
“The most important provisions in the first hours to the first weeks after a disaster are safety, comfort, and the support of family and/or friends.
“It is common to experience grief and trauma after a disaster."
People might experience “difficulty falling and remaining asleep, “anxiety and/or “uncertainty about the future and what they can do to feel safe, supported, and happy again, Irritability, anger, and frustration can be common”.
“Most people recover from such traumatic events, but if distress continues, people may need professional assessment and support.
”GPs should feel confident to assess and refer on for specialist mental health treatment those patients with persisting symptoms that disrupt daily functioning after the disaster.
“‘Normal’ response of children to disaster or trauma” includes being withdrawn, whiny, irritable, angry” “acting out, exhibiting clinginess or regression to younger behaviours.
“If a child is so acutely distressed and unable to function beyond the first week, then an assessment by a mental health professional is required.
“Trauma and grief can leave a sense of chaos and fear. Activities that can help (people) regain a sense of structure include” maintaining “basic routines (meals, etc.).
“There are ways to help people re-engage with the practical aspects of their lives. including linking to others such as family, friends, and neighbours.
"This could be done directly, through social media, or any other channels that work best for them.
”People call upon their own personal strengths that they have used in the past or in difficult situations (everyone has these). This is a very powerful part of getting better."
Please make an appointment with your GP if you are affected.
If you are comfortable in doing so, telling reception staff that your appointment is related to effects from the fires may assist in accessing a timely appointment.
Many local GPs are willing to see new patients or work extra hours, given the situation.
There is also a plethora of resources that can be accessed online, many available through www.vic.gov.au/recovery-services-wellbeing-and-support.
This page includes a list of resources with brief descriptions and links.
It addresses financial support, housing support, mental health support, family violence support, consumer and business support, disability support, and support for families.
Read More: Natimuk