Expert Advice: How to Manage Cyclone Anxiety

As cyclone warnings are issued and extreme weather events approach, it’s completely normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed.

The uncertainty and potential danger can trigger strong emotional responses in both adults and children. While some anxiety is to be expected, there are ways to manage those feelings and maintain a sense of calm.

96five’s Jess Drummond spoke with Dr Renee Ireland, clinical psychologist and lecturer at the University of Southern Queensland, about how we can better manage during this weather event.

“Anxiety is an emotion that signals that something important or meaningful is happening” Dr Ireland said.

“It’s like our internal alarm system that prepares us to focus and respond or take action.

“We will be feeling anxious over the coming days and that’s really normal – what we want to try to do is keep those levels of anxiety at a manageable level so that we are ready for action.”

Dr Ireland says it’s good to practise some helpful calming strategies ahead of the cyclone.

“That could be deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, or movement. We can start practising that now – we don’t have to wait until the cyclone is here.”

When it comes to managing potential cyclone anxiety among children, Dr Ireland says adults must first regulate their own feelings of stress and seek support to do this if needed.

“When we’re regulated we do a better job of talking to our young people, so start with yourself.

“When we have young people – or anybody that might be struggling or worried about what’s about to happen – talk [them] through what’s happening in a developmentally appropriate way.

“Keep it as factual as possible and leave the emotions out of it… when we give information and facts, it actually can help to calm people down – so little people in particular will know, ‘There’s something coming – it’s okay that you feel a little bit worried; this is what those sounds are, or that’s the lightning you can see out there.’ We explain it and it helps them understand what’s happening in their world.”

If you’re struggling with anxiety during a cyclone or any extreme weather event, support is available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or reach out to 96five’s Careline Connection and seek prayer support from our team.

Listen to the full interview with Dr Ireland in the player above.

Feature Image: Joice Kelly on Unsplash