The Shoalhaven Rural Fire Service (RFS) reports an average of 600 bushfires a year. The 2019-2020 bushfire season went above and beyond this figure and it's only the start of 2020.

"In terms of impacted area I'd say we were probably one of the worst hit in NSW," Mr Di Pietro said.

"We had significant damage to dwellings and out-dwellings such as sheds and fencing.

"The transition from the disaster is difficult as people move from the great lifestyle they had to the reality they now face."

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He said while the physical scale of the disaster is daunting, the mental strain for Shoalhaven residents cannot be ignored.

"Many residents lost possessions and even their homes. No one can anticipate the impact of the devastation for the families affected," he said.

As the clean up begins, Mr Di Pietro said mental health is one of the recovery teams' main concerns.

"Mental health and personal well-being is a huge priority," he said.

"If you come out of your house each morning and see your shed destroyed and fences down, that can only send you south."

According to the Black Dog Institute, exposure to a traumatic event can severely impact on your mental health and well-being.

Approximately one in 10 people exposed to a potentially traumatic event will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in their lifetimes. Symptoms can persist for years if left untreated.

In terms of the bushfire crisis these traumatic events come in many forms. From firefighters on the front line to residents fleeing their homes, the danger was real.

Shoalhaven council is offering a number of services for residents struggling to cope and Mr Di Pietro urges residents to go to the council's website and Facebook page to find the support they need.

"Get the help you need and talk about it. You're definitely not alone and there are plenty of people out there who will listen and want to help," he said.

"Go to our website and if you can't find the answer there you can call us up."

The bushfire mental health movement is operating nationwide. The NSW Government has provided resources to help with challenges such as easing the kids back into school and coping with financial hardships.

Lifeline 13 Help (13 43 57) is a counselling service devoted solely to bushfire victims. Other services include Beyond Blue, Mental Health Line, Mensline and Kids Helpline.

It's a normal reaction to a not-so-normal event. Mr Di Pietro said residents should keep their heads high.

"For those unfortunate people who have lost their homes, we are working tirelessly to get you back on your feet," he said.

For more information on bushfire victim counselling services visit the council's website.