Practical strategies for coping work best says Foundation in aftermath of earthquake
MEDIA RELEASE
9 September
The Mental Health Foundation has produced a one-page guide for Cantabrians with suggestions and tips on how to cope with the aftermath of Saturday’s earthquake and the week-long series of nerve-wracking aftershocks.
“Staff in our Christchurch office have all been personally affected by the earthquake," Foundation Chief Executive Judi Clements says.
Either they, or their family and friends, have experienced everything from broken windows and chimneys, homes with cracks in walls and ceilings, sodden sand and mud everywhere, days without power and/or water, distressed children and frightened elderly parents. One family member’s house has had to be demolished and other staff have had family and friends move in with them because their homes are now inhabitable.
“Hearing these personal accounts from our Christchurch staff has made the experience very real for us," Ms Clements says. “We have also had a number of enquiries from people looking for information on how to cope in this very stressful time.”
Responding to this need, the Foundation has produced a one-page document providing practical, straightforward tips and strategies on how to cope with this natural disaster.
“They are commonsense suggestions." Ms Clements says. “But often they are the things that are forgotten in the chaos of coping with, and managing, your situation.”
“The most important thing for people to remember is to be kind to yourself and others; trust in the knowledge that your circumstances will improve, and that life will eventually return to some semblance of normality.
“But if you are struggling, it’s okay to ask for help.”
For more information contact:
Carrie Briffett
Communications Advisor
Tel: 09 966 5725
Mob: 021 918 220
