With images of distraught families fleeing bushfires, blackened homes, dead animals and smoke-filled skies, it's hard not to be affected by Australia's bushfire crisis.

Health experts say it's a normal reaction to feel fearful, anxious or overwhelmed after a traumatic event.

Key points: Experts say there is no right way or wrong way to respond to trauma such as Australia's bushfire crisis

Experts say there is no right way or wrong way to respond to trauma such as Australia's bushfire crisis However, they suggest limiting exposure to social media, prioritising family time and trying to return to normal routines

However, they suggest limiting exposure to social media, prioritising family time and trying to return to normal routines They also recommend being confident in the future and to know "you are not alone"

Natural disasters shatter our sense of security, according to Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman.

"People can experience thoughts, feelings, physical reactions that are intense, confusing or frightening," she said.

"It's important to remember there is no right way to respond to trauma.

"For some people, talking about it helps, but we're all different."

The impact could be greater for those directly affected by fires, she said.

"It can have a profound effect on how you are feeling and ignoring those feelings can slow your recovery."

Coolagolite farmer Steve Shipten is consoled by fellow farmers after surveying his fire-damaged property. ( AAP: Sean Davey )

Children both on the ground and watching through the media can be particularly affected.

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Psychologist Robert Gordon said a predictor of whether children may develop difficulties after a disaster was how well their parents adapted.

It was important to reassure kids that they were safe and talk through their concerns, he said.

Symptoms of trauma in kids include being withdrawn, more clingy than usual, or compulsive drawing about death.

Young people may feel particularly anxious about the bushfires, with research showing many already worry about the impact of climate change on the environment.

"Talk about it as a family and empower kids to get involved such as doing a school project or volunteering, which can give them a sense of control," Ms Harman said.

It has been an emotional time for many people across Australia, particularly those directly affected. ( AAP: Julian Smith )

Here's some tips from the experts to help:

Look after yourself

Even if you haven't been affected by trauma directly you can still feel sad, stressed and upset.

Try to minimise exposure to upsetting images by reducing your time on social media and be careful not to use alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism.

Prioritise spending time with family and social networks

According to Dr Gordon, re-establishing enjoyable family and social routines is a big priority in order to deal with trauma.

For those people directly impacted, he said try to think about the things that were important and you did regularly — and start doing them again.

"Don't forget to have fun," he said.

"The whole family needs to get out of their high-arousal, high-adrenaline state."

Socialising with people who've had the same experience, joking around with "black" humour or hanging out with the community can all help the brain reduce the adrenaline load after a traumatic event.

There is no rush: a slow recovery is a good recovery

In the aftermath of a disastrous event it is common to try and "fix" everything, quickly.

But if you have been personally affected, being too busy can actually disrupt the brain's ability to heal by processing the sensory overload it just experienced, Dr Gordon said.

"Do what needs to be done to ensure your family is safe and then prioritise re-consolidating family life," he said.

"There's time."

Reconstruct the story of what happened

For those who have been closely affected, after the emotional intensity of a natural disaster, memories can be frightening.

Sit down and go through the full story of what happened, especially if you have children, Dr Gordon said.

Children have been exposed to traumatic events during the summer's bushfire crisis. ( Supplied: Allison Marion )

"What they need to remember is that they did get through it and also to remember all the wonderful help they got," he said.

Manage exposure to media — especially for children

Experts say there's no need for people to see the same images on TV or social media.

Check in regularly with the news, but balance it out with leisure activities that reduce stress.

Recognise when you're anxious and have a strategy

Continuing heightened levels of adrenaline and anxiety are common after living through a disaster.

Experts say the adrenaline converts to anxiety when there is nothing we can do to solve the problem now.

Having strategies in place to reduce arousal can help.

Deep breaths, going for a walk, exercising and burning off excess energy can help, Dr Gordon said.

He also recommended cutting down on stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol.

Have confidence in your future: you are not alone

It may not be obvious now, but even if you have lost your home, be confident in your future.

"Call to mind that even though you can't see it now, many people have been through the exact same experience in previous fires," Dr Gordon said.

"And they have homes and good lives again. You will not be in this alone."

Professional emotional help is available

"If the symptoms are too intense, or over the next few weeks are not getting better, seek advice on recovery from your GP or a mental health professional," Dr Gordan said.

Experts said the earlier these feelings were addressed, the more likely they would be resolved.

And watch out for friends or family members who have been in the frontline, as symptoms of trauma may not show up for weeks or months.