Grief, trauma and critical incidents

Grief describes how a person feels after the loss of someone or something that is very important to them.

The grief experienced from a loss affects the whole person, including their mind, spirit, and body, as well as the relationships they have with other people. Trauma occurs when someone has had a distressing or overwhelming experience, with intense pain, stress, fear, or helplessness.

Major adverse natural events, such as an earthquakes, bushfires or floods can have wide-reaching impacts on mental health and wellbeing. 

Natural disasters can have a significant impact on both individuals and communities, as these events – and circumstances which may follow – are often traumatic. Children and young people are especially vulnerable to the emotional impacts and often rely on adults around them to provide support, information and protection.

Critical incidents, such as suicide, can have an immediate and traumatic impact on a learning community.

For information about responding to a suicide or planning a response in the event of a suicide, visit the Suicide Prevention and Response page.