A MESSAGE FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE BUSHFIRES

Following the recent bushfires in Australia, you may have noticed a change in your chronic pain. Events such as the bushfires can trigger a fight-or-flight response in the nervous system making it more reactive. The more reactive nervous system may message the brain more frequently, resulting in an increase in chronic pain symptoms.

If you are finding it difficult to manage your pain symptoms, please contact your GP or pain specialist for assistance.

Pain Specialists Australia welcomes the Commonwealth Government announcement of immediate mental-health support for anyone affected by the Australian bushfire crisis announced this week.

• Support can be accessed by individuals and communities in bushfire affected areas, and firefighters and emergency services personnel including volunteers.

• Measures include increased access to Medicare rebates for psychology, access to counselling and support in affected areas, and tele-health consultations, expansion of local headspace services for young people, and trauma care for first responders and their families.

If you or your family have been impacted by the bushfires, you can access support.

Please go to the Department of Health website for further information.

Further support is available through these services:

• Beyond Blue (24-hour advice line): Ph: 1300 224 636

• Kids Helpline (Support for children and young people up to 25 years) - Ph: 1800 551 800

• Lifeline Crisis (24-hour line) – Ph: 13 11 14