Don’t underestimate the stress and strain of being flooded and cleaning up. Take the time to consider your own and your loved one’s mental health and well-being. 

Do not overdo it when cleaning up. Feeling tired, upset or anxious or having difficulty sleeping are normal after being flooded. If you are worried about your own or someone else's mental health, seek support from family and friends, your GP or other expert help. 

If you are helping someone who has been affected by flooding, there are simple ways you can offer support:

• Try to become familiar with the nature of the flooding event, identify how those affected can access help and whether there are flood risks in the future.
• Check that they are safe and help them to make contact with flood recovery agencies if needed.
• Check that there are no immediate physical health needs, for example, they may require an ambulance or a hospital visit.
• Ask about needs and concerns such as access to food, water, shelter and medication.
• Help people to contact their loved ones and others who can provide familiar sources of support
• Help to identify practical, safe ways to help their needs and access to services
• Listen, provide information if you have it, and help people to make plans for next steps.