On-line help for people experiencing disaster déjà vu

The storms and flooding flashing through Queensland and NSW are a 'double whammy' for people who were badly affected by the 2011 floods, says QUT psychologist Professor David Kavanagh from QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation.

"It is an emotional time for many people - not only will they have to deal with the current conditions but the memories of what happened just two years ago are still fresh," he said.

"We have a free, self-guided, online program for people affected by natural disasters at
https://www.ontrack.org.au/web/ontrack/programs/floodandstormrecovery that is funded by Queensland Health."

"Queenslanders are a resilient people but our OnTrack site acknowledges that when a major event occurs it can be overwhelming for some people," Professor Kavanagh said.

"OnTrack uses quotations and pictures from people affected by the 2011 floods to program help Queenslanders and their families to work through issues and address distress.

"It applies evidence-based strategies from clinical psychology and disaster-recovery research to provide an easy-to-follow program that people can do from home whenever it suits them."

Dr Kavanagh said doctors and community workers could also use the program in sessions with patients having difficulties with the current weather conditions.

Media contact: Niki Widdowson, 07 3138 2999 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au