A guide to helping others recover
Supporting others after a natural disaster
After a natural disaster, emotional recovery can take time. Supporting someone through this period can be just as important as helping with physical repairs. By offering calm, practical, and compassionate support, you can help them find their feet again. Use this guide to find some practical tips to support those around you.
How to support others
Whether you are helping a family member, neighbour, or someone else in your community, there are many ways to assist them in the journey to recovery.
Tips for supportive conversations
It can be hard to know what to say when someone is struggling, but showing you are concerned for them can make a big difference.
These tips can help you approach the conversation with care and compassion.
- Choose a calm, private time to talk.
- Expect that they might feel overwhelmed, angry, tearful, or shut down. These are normal responses to trauma
- Let them lead — if they want to talk, listen. If not, just being present matters
- Validate their experience — try saying: “It makes sense you feel that way” or “I am really sorry this has been so hard.”
- Avoid unhelpful advice or comparisons — each person’s recovery journey is unique
- Follow up in a few days — it shows you care, and that support is ongoing.
Supporting children and young people
Most children and young people will get back on track with support from family, teachers and peers. Recovery is different for each child, so it is important to give them time and seek advice from a health professional if you have any concerns.
- Check in regularly and let them express feelings through words, play or drawing
- Stick to routines like school, meals and bedtimes — this builds emotional safety
- Be honest and calm — answer questions truthfully and remind them they’re safe
- Encourage hobbies and time with friends to restore normality and confidence
- Limit their exposure to distressing news or adult conversations about the disaster
- Involve them in positive recovery actions, like helping a neighbour or planning fun activities.
Supporting your community
There are lots of ways you can support your community to achieve a healthy and sustainable recovery. This will help the people around you and can also have a positive impact on your own wellbeing.
- Check on neighbours and friends — especially those who may be vulnerable or isolated
- Volunteer with local clean-up or recovery initiatives
- Share accurate information and emotional support in your networks
- Celebrate small wins and recovery milestones together — hope is powerful.
Signs someone might need help
If you notice any of these signs, gently encourage the person to speak to a doctor or seek professional support:
- Appearing very anxious, irritable or angry
- Withdrawing or avoiding social contact
- Seeming emotionally numb or overwhelmed
- Having trouble sleeping or unable to function in daily life
- Expressing hopelessness or talking about suicide or self-harm
- Using drugs or alcohol to cope.
The importance of self-care
Helping others can be emotionally demanding. Make time for rest, movement, connection and things that help you recharge. Strong support starts with self-care.
- Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling
- Rest and recharge when you need to — even short breaks help
- Use grounding or breathing techniques to manage stress
- Connect with others who can support you too.
When to seek help
If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is okay to ask for support. Speak with your doctor, psychologist or use any of the helplines:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
13 YARN – 13 92 76
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
QLife – 1800 184 527
1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78
Additional support for children:
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
Headspace – 1800 650 890
ReachOut – reachout.com
Extra support
Need support in your language?
Visit: www.tisnational.gov.au or ask for an interpreter.
At Suncorp, we are here to protect what matters most — including the wellbeing of your loved ones and community. For support with disaster recovery and emotional wellbeing, visit: www.suncorp. com.au/insurance/extreme-weather-assistance.
Sometimes your circumstances might mean you need additional support or assistance in dealing with us. This could be due to your physical or mental health, family or financial situation, or cultural background. Please visit: www.suncorp.com.au/insurance/difficult-circumstances.
For more wellbeing tips and resources
Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as Suncorp Insurance. You must read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decisions about insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available on our websites. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. The guide set out above about what to do before or after a disaster is intended to be of a general nature only, and we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it. Please make your own enquiries.
