TAKE WHAT YOU NEED

Now !

COPING IN GLOBAL CRISES

Living through bushfires and natural disasters

Living through a natural disaster, like a bushfire, might be one of the hardest things anyone has to deal with. After a disaster your life is turned upside down. You might have lost your life as you know it. That is a massive deal, don’t think otherwise. If you have lived through a natural disaster and you’ve trying to deal with what you have been through, here are some ways that might you cope:

Find support. Don’t try to face it alone. Reach out to friends, family and the community. Find someone who you trust, talk to them about what you're going through. You are not alone: your community has gone through it too. Lean on them. Even speak to a therapist. There is no shame in seeking help.

Take care of yourself. Especially in a time like this, make time to do things that make you feel good. It can be something as simple as reading a book. Supporting yourself could mean you're a better support for those around. Do it, it’s important.

Help the community. Helping people in your community can give you the hope you need. You have all been through a world-shattering experience together. Showing them that you are there to support them, could give you all the strength to move forward.

Control the small things. When something like this happens it is easy to feel like you have lost control of your life. As overwhelming as it is, focus on the small things you can control. Create routines and structures in your life to give you a sense of safety. Bedtimes, meal times, exercise, whatever it is, just focus on taking care of those, before you try to take care of the rest.

Don’t make big decisions. If you can, try not to make stressful and important decisions. At least for now. Make these decisions when you are feeling calm and centred. This might be hard given the situation you are in. Make the decisions you absolutely have to make now, but if you have a choice, leave the big decisions for later.

Below you’ll find some films, books and resources that will hopefully bring you some comfort.

Hang in there.

Change your perspective and uncover a way forward for you!

Here are some things that can help you with that.

YouTube

Great
reads

Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant
Imagine for a moment how you would feel if you were able to change the way you think and learn, so that you can be able to move on, adapt, take risks and win again.

The Lives of the Heart by Jane Hirshfield
This scintillating volume of poems confronts life head on, Exploring all of life's uncertainties with care and grace. A comfort read.

Just Kids by Patti Smith
A memoir of Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe's relationship, as the pursue the lives of artist in New York city. It's a riveting comfort read that will on the verge of tears.

Great
Films

UP
A feel good film through and through. Nothing like a story of a unlikely pair who find themselves on an unexpected adventure

Kubo and the Two Strings
An film of epic proportions. It's a classic tale of good vs evil. The animation is breathtaking and the story pulls you in all directions.

Ratatouille
Another heartwarming tale of a rat who wants nothing more than to cook Just watch it, it's lovely.

Spotify

This playlist will make things a little bit better, even just for a moment.

Places to find more resources

Would you like to get inspired about your life?

Join a Highway session today.

If you would like to explore what’s going on for you today, then just jump on! You will be welcomed to a safe, warm, non-judgemental space where you can be yourself and uncover what is important to you. You have all the answers. Let us help you find your way.

Donate and inspire young people to a positive pathway in life.

Giving all young people the gift of being heard, connected and feeling empowered to follow their path to becoming the best versions of themselves.