Port Hills fires ‘setback’ for mental health in region

Christchurch’s Port Hills fires are likely to cause a ‘‘setback’’ for the mental health of a region still recovering from earthquakes, Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) chief executive David Meates says.

In his latest CEO update, Meates wrote about the impact of the fires, saying it would likely impact the mental health and wellbeing of many in the community.

‘‘There’s a palpable sense of ‘why us, haven’t we been through enough already?’

‘‘For many Cantabrians today feels like we’re back to ground zero.’’

Canterbury’s health system had achieved a lot during the six years since Canterbury’s earthquakes, but the Port Hills fires – which began on February 13 – would have an emotional toll, he said.

Mental Health Advocacy and Peer Support general manager Sue Ricketts said the the fires had caused ‘‘re-triggering of children and adults in Christchurch’’, and widespread need for mental health and addiction services would ramp up again.

‘‘We are certainly fielding calls from parents with hyper-anxious children, and people for whom this traumatic time has been the final straw in their tenuous emotional wellbeing.’’

Pegasus Health chief executive Vince Barry said general practices in the affected areas had not reported an increase in presentations relating to mental health issues at this stage.

All right? campaign manager Sue Turner said in the CDHB’s newsletter that returning home after an evacuation could be a difficult and emotional experience.

‘‘Experience and research tell us that the impacts of disasters go on for a long time. You need to pace yourself.

‘‘By taking care of yourself and your loved ones . . . celebrating the small wins, and asking for help when you think you need it, you’ll give yourself a good chance of a good recovery.’’

The brain’s release of adrenaline during traumatic events, such as earthquakes and fires, could make people feel ‘‘shaky, queasy or on-edge’’.

It could make it hard for people to concentrate and result in strong emotional responses such as anger or crying, Turner said. Such feelings were normal, but could be eased by light exercise, taking up a small chore or task and focusing on calm breathing for 10 seconds.