It’s been an incredibly challenging year for many Kiwis, and to those who are rebuilding their lives after the impacts of a natural disaster, Jacqui and Antonia send you their love and support.

It’s an unfortunate sign of the times that this week, close friends Jacqui Maguire, a clinical psychologist, and Antonia Prebble, actor and presenter, tackle the subject that has been most requested this year: dealing with the effects of a natural disaster.

In this episode, Jacqui breaks down the three stages we typically go through and how we can best look after ourselves – and one another – during these different periods. The pair discuss what PTSD can look like, plus how to find a new routine, hope and gratitude in the wake of a major event. And, importantly the delve into exactly what we can do to care for and support children who are caught up in natural disasters. 

“Kia kaha,” says Jacqui. “Stand together – remember that social capital is what will support our communities to survive from a health, mental health and economic perspective. We get through it, together.”

“And please remember, there is no right way to feel. As a country we owe it to anybody struggling after a natural disaster to remember and stand alongside you – that is our duty, to be a team of five million.”

If you’re looking for more resources after today’s episode, for a start, please head to:

Get Ready: Brought to you by Civil Defence, this resource talks you through how to get prepared, what to do in an emergency and how to get involved in the aftermath

Anxiety NZ: How to cope with anxiety during disasters and emergencies

Headspace: How to cope with the stress of natural disasters

The Student Volunteer Army: As Jacqui mentioned, the SVA (formed after the Christchurch Earthquake) responds to the acute needs of local communities.

New Zealand Red Cross: Donate to the New Zealand Disaster Fund, plus read about updates and the best ways to get support, or to support those affected by the recent severe weather events.

We’d also like to say a big warm thank you to our wonderful sponsors of this episode: The fantastic folks at Woop, who keep our bellies deliciously full and warm, and the lovely team at Emma who ensure we get a good night’s sleep!

Sponsor Codes: Woop are offering our listeners 30% off their first box. Just use the code PODCAST at the checkout.

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