A recent study by NRMA Insurance revealed that approximately 80% of Australians are feeling anxious about the impact of extreme weather. This concern is notably heightened among individuals residing in high-risk areas, with 86% expressing worry, and young adults aged 18-24, with a staggering 90% feeling anxious.
This growing apprehension aligns with a surge in the demand for mental health support services related to natural disasters. Lifeline Australia has noted a significant 25% increase in calls to its disaster recovery helpline, 13HELP, over the past three years, receiving over 430,000 calls.
Luke Gallagher, Executive General Manager Claims at NRMA Insurance, stressed the significance of preparing for the social and emotional repercussions of extreme weather, particularly emphasizing the vulnerability of younger Australians and those residing in high-risk regions.
Research indicates that during extreme weather events, 51% of Australians seek mental health support from family members.
Dr. Ally Nicolopoulos, Wellbeing Lead at Lifeline Australia, underscored the growing dependence on Lifeline’s online resources for understanding and managing mental health during such circumstances. The Support Toolkit enables Australians to access assistance in their preferred manner, promoting resilience and fostering positive coping strategies.
According to the NRMA Insurance Wild Weather Tracker, which incorporates this research, there were 9,647 claims for damage caused by wild weather to homes and vehicles across the nation during the autumn season.
These online resilience resources are part of Help Nation, an initiative by NRMA Insurance aimed at assisting Australians in preparing for extreme weather events and comprehending their local risks.
