New Premises info & Earthquake Recovery tips

  New Premises update and Earthquake Recovery tips:

I hope you and your family are safe.

My heart and  thoughts are with those of you who have had significant damage to your homes; I hope you are getting the support and assistance that you need at this time and continue do so over the following months.

 I am well; none of my family were harmed, and Ted is anxious and skitzy with every aftershock, but fine. The Caretakers Cottage sustained significant damage so I have moved into an office in my (safe) home. I will be working from next week (Beginning 14 March 2011), so feel free to ring for a catch up yak or to make an appointment. 

Counselling funding for earthquake trauma may be available for you if you decide to return to, or begin counselling. We are investigating this at the moment, so please ring and discuss this.

Recovery tips:

Many people are feeling huge emotional and physical upheavals from the Canterbury earthquakes. Varying degrees of grief and trauma can be experienced as an expected and ‘normal’ response to an event of such magnitude.

There are ways in which you can assist yourself and your loved ones to recover emotionally:

  • Ask for help. Don’t try and ‘staunch it out’.; there are no medals being given out for this. This is a time where we can support and care for one another; it is an opportunity for the usual isolation level of our pre-quake daily lives to crumble a little,  so that greater connection with one another  is possible.
  • Say No. If you can’t help someone, practice your self-care by saying No.
  • Take time out. there are many offers of accomodation in beautiful parts of new Zealand on websites such as Trademe- take advantage of some time out and good sleeping.
  • Take the time and space to recover. Many people rush into action as a way of coping, only to ‘drop’ a little further down the track.              While it’s really good to resume your routines, (as they provide a sense of structure and familiarity), be prepared to take some time out, do a half-day at work etc.
  • Emotional reactions are varied, depending on the person.  Some people will get afraid to leave their house, others will not want to stay there, others are exhilarated by the action and hype that the earthquake and destruction have brought. You may be afraid or notice you’re more irritable or jumpy or have a low tolerance to things like noises.  All this can be ‘par for the course’. Take some time out/have a rest, talk to someone ( friend or family member- it doesn’t need to be a counsellor or professional), and just know that what you are feeling is very ‘normal’.
  • Eat well, drink plenty of water and rest or sleep a little more. Avoid stimulants (e.g. coffee, caffine drinks) as for a stressed physical body, these things only increase the stress hormones.
  • Watch your consumption of alcohol at this time. Notice any increases: it may be a way you are coping which can have longerterm  detrimental effects.
  • Exercise: VERY important! When we’re under stress the stress hormones in our bodies builds. Exercising helps to release this buildup. A good brisk walk, a bike ride for 20 minutes or so will help immensely.
  • If you are experiencing ongoing anxiety or sleeping problems, see your Doctor.
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