Chch stress levels soar after quakes

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Wed, 15 Jun 2011 6:10p.m.

The earthquakes are taking a toll on Cantabrians' mental health

The earthquakes are taking a toll on Cantabrians' mental health

By Rachel Tiffin

Stress levels have been high in Christchurch since the September earthquake but Monday's aftershocks tipped even the strongest Cantabrians over the edge.

Support services in Christchurch say they are overwhelmed with exhausted, anxious people struggling to cope since Monday's quakes.

Many of those seeking help have never had counselling before.

The Canterbury Charity Hospital started offering counselling for stressed out residents after the February quake - now they are so busy the centre’s expanding to next door.

Counsellor Julie Washer say quakes make people anxious and tired, and keeping up routines like exercise is crucial to staying sane, as is talking and resisting the urge to over-indulge.

The Women's Refuge says violence has sky-rocketed, along with a big jump in drug and alcohol abuse.

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Comments

15 Jun 2011 08:05p.m.

Denise wrote:

All I can say is Thank you Thank you Thank you for not forgetting about us John Campbell. I have lived in Christchurch for 40 of my 42 years and I can't believe what we have to endure here now.
Thanks again
Denise

15 Jun 2011 07:28p.m.

graham Brown wrote:

What are these Bexly people moaning about!!! have'nt they realised that the Government has more important things to pay for like... the Americas Cup challenge, The Rugby world cup, Young children on the DPB, Subsidizing farmers and big buisness, helping out Sky City...


Very much tongue in cheek!!!

15 Jun 2011 06:36p.m.

warren wrote:

Hey John Keys, Whats this about spending $10 million of taxpayers money to bring people to the world cup. ie Royal family and the Russian president. We are bloody sick of you wasting our money mate. Wouldn't it be better spent helping our own people in CHCH to get their homes fixed. And do the decent thing and send Bob Parker away for a rest. The mans working himself to death for his community and that's where taxpayers money should be spent if anyone gets a free holiday.