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Mental Health After a Flood

How flooding affects wellbeing — and how to get help

1. What it’s like

Flooding isn’t just damage to buildings — it’s a disruption to your whole life. As someone who lived through it twice (2019 and again New Year’s Eve/Day 2025), I know how real the emotional and mental strain becomes.

  • You might feel anxious or hyper‑aware every time it rains.
  • Your home — your sanctuary — can feel different when you’ve lived through water entering. This can lead to sleepless nights, worry, and sometimes low mood or panic. thefloodhub.co.uk
  • Add to that dealing with insurance, reinstatement, displacement, financial strain and you’ve got a lot going on behind the scenes.
  • Studies show those whose homes have flooded are up to six times more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety or PTSD than those who weren’t flooded. icasp.org.uk

2. Why it matters

Recovery isn’t just about rebuilding walls and floors — it’s about rebuilding lives. If mental health is ignored, it can slow recovery, strain families, and increase the risk of long‑term issues. Research shows mental‑health costs of flooding can run thousands of pounds per adult. GOV.UK

3. What you can do right now

You’re not alone and your feelings are valid. Here are some steps that can help:

  • Give yourself permission to rest: recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. GOV.UK
  • Stay connected with people you trust — sharing your worry reduces its power.
  • Keep up routines where you can: sleep, food, light exercise all matter.
  • When you’re ready, involve yourself in small recovery actions (clearing debris, getting a plan) —but don’t force it too early.
  • If you notice persistent anxiety, low mood, nightmares or you feel “stuck”, seek help. Your GP or NHS Talking Therapies can support you. GOV.UK

4. Getting professional support

Here are excellent organisations you can turn to right away:

  • Samaritans – 24/7 free‑phone 116 123 or samaritans.org Wikipedia
  • Mind – 0300 123 3393, mind.org.uk (information and local branches) thefloodhub.co.uk
  • UK Government advice: “Flooding and health: advice for the public” (GOV.UK) GOV.UK
  • Other specialist resource – iCASP / Kirklees “Mental health & wellbeing for flood‑risk communities” project. icasp.org.uk

5. Support for families & children

  • Children especially can feel unsettled by flooding: their sense of home, safety and normality is altered. thefloodhub.co.uk
  • Talk openly with kids about what happened, reassure them, maintain routines and monitor signs (sleep trouble, new fears, aggressive behaviour).
  • Consider looking for local flood recovery groups or community hubs — meeting others who’ve been through it helps reduce isolation.

6. Helping you help yourself

You may want to ask yourself:

  • Do I still feel anxious whenever heavy rain comes?
  • Has my home stopped feeling like “home”?
  • Am I avoiding talking about what happened?
  • Am I overwhelmed by insurance, rebuild or bills?

If you answer “yes” to any of these — you’re not “weak” or “overreacting.” These are common responses. Getting support is a strong step.

7. Our goal & how you can engage

At AfterFlood, our mission is to support you not just physically but emotionally. We’re building resources, connection and a community. Here’s what we’re doing:

  • Sharing my own flood story and recovery journey.
  • Hosting a detailed resident survey so we can collect data about how widespread these mental‑health impacts are — so we can push for better funding and support.
  • Publishing practical guides, checklists and a forum of experiences.
  • Collaborating with podcast, media and local agencies to raise awareness.

You can help by:

  • Filling in our resident survey (link here)
  • Joining our community mailing list
  • Sharing your story or simply your experience

8. Further resources & reading

  • GOV.UK – “Flooding and health: advice for the public” GOV.UK
  • The Flood Hub – “Flooding and mental health” blog thefloodhub.co.uk
  • iCASP – “Mental health & wellbeing for flood‑risk communities” (University of Leeds / Kirklees) environment.leeds.ac.uk
  • British Red Cross – “Public awareness & perceptions of flood risk” (includes mental‑health aspects) British Red Cross

Remember: It’s completely normal to feel anxious, unsure or overwhelmed after flooding. The event may be over, but your recovery is ongoing and valid. You can rebuild – physically and emotionally. We’re here to help you every step of the way.