Healing Together: Navigating Our Emotions After the Bondi Westfield Tragedy
The recent tragedy at Bondi Westfield has profoundly shaken our community. This article aims to provide some information and tips on how to cope in the coming days and weeks.
A day out at the shops is a quintessential Australian experience, where families, friends, and individuals gather for shopping, dining, and entertainment, making such places familiar parts of our daily lives. The occurrence of such violence in these supposed safe, communal areas filled with everyday pleasures is deeply unsettling. It disrupts our sense of security in the places we frequent and cherish, resonating shock on a personal level. This incident starkly reminds us of how precious and fragile our normalcy can be. As a psychologist, I want to speak directly to you—whether you were at the scene, know someone who was, or are simply feeling the ripple effects in our community. You are not alone, and it’s perfectly normal to experience a range of feelings during such a difficult time.
How We Might Feel
In the shadow of such events, it’s common to experience a flood of emotions:
- Fear and Anxiety: You might find yourself feeling more on edge, wary of places you once frequented without a second thought. This anxiety is a natural response to sudden, unsettling changes in our environment.
- Sadness and Grief: It’s okay to feel deep sadness or grief, not only for those directly affected but for the sense of safety and normalcy we’ve lost.
- Anger and Frustration: You might feel angry about what happened and frustrated by the sense of powerlessness over such events.
- Helplessness: This feeling can be overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that it’s a common reaction to extraordinary circumstances.
- Unity and Resilience: On a positive note, you might also find strength in our community’s unity and resilience as people come together to support one another.
Strategies for Coping
Here are some ways we can manage these emotions and start our journey towards healing:
- Stay Connected: Talk about your feelings with family or friends. Don’t underestimate the power of shared experiences to heal and strengthen our bonds.
- Limit Media Exposure: Stay informed but be mindful of your media consumption. Continuous exposure to distressing news can intensify stress.
- Maintain Routine: Stick to your normal daily routine as much as possible. It can provide a comforting structure in times of chaos.
- Get Active: Physical activity can be a great stress reliever. Whether it’s a walk in the park or a yoga session, moving helps.
- Express Yourself: Write, paint, or engage in any creative activity that helps you express what you’re feeling. Sometimes words can’t capture what art can.
Seeking Professional Help
If your emotions feel too intense to manage on your own, or if they persist and begin to interfere with your daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. This is a sign of strength and is a proactive step towards healing.
Local Helplines in NSW, Australia
- Lifeline Australia: Available 24/7 for crisis support. Phone: 13 11 14, www.lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue: Mental health support at any time. Phone: 1300 22 4636, www.beyondblue.org.au
- NSW Mental Health Line: For professional help and advice across NSW. Phone: 1800 011 511 NSW Mental Health Line
- Headspace: For young people dealing with tough times. Phone: 1800 650 890, www.headspace.org.au
You Are Not Alone
As we move forward, remember, healing is not linear. It’s okay to have good days and bad days. What’s important is that we support each other through them all. We are a community, strong and resilient, and together, we can navigate this path toward recovery. If you would like to make an appointment, call 02 4656 1107 or follow this link: FMPS Contacts Page
Natasha Kavanagh
Psychologist
