Flood-ravaged communities tackle mental illness
The January floods were an event few in the Lockyer Valley will forget, but as the community rebuilds, serious, long-term effects such as mental illnesses are emerging among flood survivors.
Community wellbeing council’s top priority
When three quarters of south-east Queensland flooded in January, Eddie Sloan’s farm was not spared.
Mr Sloan, who was previously diagnosed with depression, was stranded alone for a week. He recalls that during this time many of his old demons began to haunt him again with new fears also surfacing.
Mr Sloan was a guest speaker at the Lockyer Valley’s Wellbeing Expo, held on October 15, 2011.
He shared his story about being a depression sufferer and flood survivor to inspire confidence in the community and assure them that things will inevitably work out.
The Wellbeing Expo centered around a similar theme with positive thinking, healthy lifestyle choices and community spirit being promoted.