We are aware that many of you are currently running on adrenaline as you digest and respond to the trauma of recent days. Trauma is an emotional and psychological response when a person experiences high levels of fear or stress without having the chance to remove themselves from the situation. Some of the symptoms of trauma include:
- Flashbacks (reliving the trauma as if it were happening now)
- High levels of anxiety and fear
- Avoiding the place where the trauma occurred
- Emotional numbness/disconnection from emotions
- Unexplained physical problems
- Negative self-beliefs such as “I am to blame” or “I am not valuable” or “I am worthless”
- Feeling ashamed
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviours
- Nightmare
- Trauma and stress symptoms are your brain’s natural way of coping with what happened to you.
If you are affected by stress reactions and symptoms to the point where they are continuing for longer than two weeks and/or are of increasing concern to you or those around you, it may be helpful for you to access further assistance to aid you in moving through them in a more proactive and healthy way.
HBFA has engaged Wanda Douglas to provide free and confidential psychological support to our members and their families. Wanda is a Registered Psychologist with the NZ Psychologists’ Board. She is based locally in Taradale.
HBFA will fund the first three one-hour sessions for any member of the association and/or their direct family members. Wanda can be contacted via her mobile on 021 1700 506
We also remind members and the wider rural community that they can also contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 if they have any wellbeing concerns.
