Most people live their everyday lives in a balanced state that indicates some degree of harmony in their thoughts, feelings and physical needs. When sudden, traumatic events occur, this state of harmony is disrupted, and a strain is placed upon the resources and mental wellbeing of a person.

UnitingCare Community offers critical incident counselling for communities affected by sudden critical incidents such as a fatal car crash, a workplace injury, murder, suicide, or an issue or change that affects the entire community.

For communities affected by a natural disaster, UnitingCare Community operates a Community Recovery Program which provides psychological first aid to individuals and families to reduce the initial distress of someone feeling the effects of trauma and minimise the risk of further psychological harm.

People react differently to a sudden traumatic event, which can make it difficult to communicate with friends and family. If a friend, family member or colleague has experienced a traumatic event, you can help by doing the following:

• Listen carefully
• Spend time with the traumatised person
• Offer your assistance and a listening ear, even if they have not asked for help
• Reassure them they are safe
• Help them with everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, caring for the family, minding children (where practical)
• Give them some private time
• Don’t take their anger or other feelings personally
• Don’t tell them ‘they are lucky it wasn’t worse’ – traumatised people are not consoled by this statement. Instead tell them that you’re sorry such an event has occurred and that you want to understand and assist them.

Please remember, Lifeline telephone crisis supporters are available 24-hours a day on 13 11 14. Alternatively, contact your local UnitingCare Community office to find out how you may be able to receive critical incident support.