Free mental health support is available to individuals across Leicestershire to help manage distress caused by the recent flooding, which has left more than 630 homes in the region under water.
LLR residents aged 16 and over who are experiencing increased stress, anxiety, and depression or low mood are encouraged to access free professional support via the NHS Talking Therapies Service.
Picture credit: Ozzy O’Shea
Whilst the immediate dangers to physical health from flooding are highly visible, the majority of the impact on health in England is associated with mental, rather than physical health. The ‘English National Cohort Study of Flooding and Health’ found that people who had experienced flooding were more likely to have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety disorders between six months to three years following the event.
“Experiencing a flood can be frightening, traumatic and cause major disruption to daily activities and the lives of families. You may be concerned about your own health, the health of others or the welfare of your pets, alongside having added financial stress related to loss of earnings or repairing a home. Even if you do not have flood water in your home, events that occur as a result of flooding around you – for example loss of utilities or disruption to health and social care services – can be just as stressful,” said Brendan Street, principal clinical lead of LLR’s NHS Talking Therapies service.
Street continues, “Do not assume that you haven’t been affected enough to be having a significant emotional reaction. We should not underestimate the impact of flooding on mental health, it is very real and can last long after the flood water has gone.”
Following an event like flooding, it’s normal to experience some degree of emotional stress, such as anxiety, fear and worry. People may also have trouble sleeping or feel more tired than usual. Street says, “If you’re concerned or overwhelmed by unhelpful thoughts and negative emotions, or if your distress lasts more than two-weeks without change, it is advisable to seek the support of a mental health professional. It’s OK not to be OK, and it’s important to know that with the right support, these feelings will likely ease over time.”
People impacted by the floods can self-refer to the NHS Talking Therapies Service provided by Vita Health Group, or ask to be referred to the service by a GP. It is a free and confidential service that offers a range of interventions, and provides psychological support on a one-to-one or group basis for residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland aged 16 and over. Individuals can also call 0330 094 5595, or text ‘YOU’ to 88802 for support.
Eight steps to help manage mental health and wellbeing following a flood
Street says, “There is no simple fix or one-size-fits-all approach to make things better. However, there are steps you can take to help manage your mental health and wellbeing during this difficult time.”
1. Prioritise tasks – the aftermath of a flood can feel incredibly overwhelming. Write down your priorities and split out the tasks. Tackle what you feel you can manage – that might be one, two or three tasks a day. Avoid overstretching yourself during the recovery process.
2. Acknowledge your achievements – tick off each task as you complete it and take time to recognise what you’ve achieved. This can help you feel you are making progress.
3. Write information down – when we’re stressed, our ability to retain information reduces. Keep a notepad and pen on you to write down information from calls or meetings with community services, or make notes on your phone. You may also find it helpful to share the information with family and friends.
4. Avoid dwelling on news reports, images and videos of flooding – it can be tempting to watch or listen to the news all day or to continuously scroll through bad news – otherwise known as doom scrolling. Try to avoid doing this as it may compound negative feelings such as anxiety and stress.
5. Spend time with friends and family – research shows that it’s better to spend as much time as possible with others, rather than go over the event in your own head. The simple act of talking can be very beneficial, so reach out to friends and family if you can.
6. Walk – physical exercise has huge potential to improve wellbeing. It’s important to choose an exercise that feels manageable for you during this stressful time. Walking is low-intensity and can help you organise your thoughts and put things into perspective. The key point is to avoid putting any unnecessary stress on your body with exercise.
7. Support children and young people – flooding can have a big impact on the emotional wellbeing of children and young people. Being displaced may lead them to feel they have a lack of control over their lives and they may be anxious about the future. Try to maintain a routine and continue doing familiar activities if you can, such as stories at bedtime. Where possible, ensure they spend time with their friends and family as this will help to reduce stress and anxiety. Young children may benefit from having a familiar comforter, such as a security blanket or special toy.
8. Access community support groups – many people who experience flooding find their local community to be an important source of practical and emotional support. There may be support groups specifically set up for the flooding or local recovery hubs that you can lean on for additional help.
