“The Thing That Will Save You Is the Community”: Qualitative Perspectives on Mental Health and Social Connectedness Following a Major Australian Bushfire

Elizabeth A. Newnham, Nicholas Da Silva, Merridy Grant, Lauren Holmes, Leanne M. Kelly, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Curtin EnAble Institute, School of Rural and Remote Health, University of Western Australia, Australian Red Cross, Alfred Deakin Institute, Deakin University

Qualitative Health Research

Published online on November 22, 2025

Abstract

Qualitative Health Research, Ahead of Print.
The risk of recurring and cascading disasters is increasing rapidly, with significant implications for community mental health. This study aimed to explore qualitative reports of mental health experiences, changes in social identity, and community ...