The beautiful Bondi Beach was the scene of a horrible attack that has sent shudders through Australia. Experts highlight the importance of deep, broad community support and proactive coping strategies to build resilience in the wake of this deadly act of terrorism. Yet, on Sunday night, two men were able to kill at least 15 people. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was quick to describe the terrible act as terrorism. The attack has rattled the nation. Countless residents across the country are experiencing unprecedented levels of grief and anxiety, and they’re looking at their cities for leadership on what to do next.
Nicole Sadler is a trauma specialist and current CEO of Phoenix Australia, center of post-traumatic mental health excellence. She discusses how when events are personally identifiable it makes people more likely to react emotionally. A terrorist act is intended to disrupt our faith in the world that we were safe and secure in as we go about our daily lives. It’s trying to convince us that we should all be more afraid. Tributes blanket Bondi Beach. A collage of tributes as Australians honored the memory of those who lost their lives. The community to process the experience of shared mourning and hurt.
Understanding Emotional Responses
Sadler adds that it is completely natural for anyone to experience a variety of emotional responses after experiencing such trauma. Just as many people could be appalled, horrified, enraged, or terrified in certain use cases. Those are all normal emotions. There is no right or wrong,” she said. She noted that it’s not unusual for someone to be in distress for days or weeks following an event. If those feelings persist, you must get help from a professional.
As a result, the expert cautions against turning media coverage on and off as an escape valve. Sadler warned that staying glued to the news cycle will only cause more pain. This mutant hamster wheel of exposure is doing you no good, and it’s hurting your health. Rather, she supports people going to their networks and telling them how they’re feeling in order to avoid emotional chaos.
Professor Brunet echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that experiencing distress, anxiety, or depression in the days following the attack is a normal reaction. As you watch those symptoms and reactions, it’s very satisfying to watch them decrease with time. That’s the biggest bellwether, he suggested. He highlighted the importance of discussing feelings with friends or family members as a means to navigate this challenging period.
The Role of Community Support
In the wake of tragedy, there is no substitute for the support of a strong community. Sadler and Brunet both emphasize that shared suffering is helpful in working through mourning. Vigils and community gatherings serve a more pragmatic purpose as places where individuals can be together, let loose some of those feelings, and grieve together. Brunet stressed their intention as an opportunity for the community to come together. It gives a space for artists and activists to articulate the collective experience of pain.
Furthermore, Sadler pointed out that individuals exposed to the events through their work—such as first responders or mental health professionals—may experience vicarious trauma. Robust support systems for newcomers are important, too. On top of that, they need to process their own reactions while supporting others who are still reeling from the tragedy.
As Australians pay tribute to the victims, the community’s collective mourning fosters a sense of togetherness. Brunet spoke of the need for processing traumatic events and healing moments. First, he thinks it fosters a feeling of we’re all in this together.
Seeking Professional Help
Though initial emotional reactions are normal, both Sadler and Brunet urge those suffering from long-lasting distress to reach out to a mental health professional. Lifeline had its busiest day of the year the day after the attack. They project further increases in demand for mental health services in the future.
Sadler suggests that if feelings of anxiety or difficulty sleeping continue beyond a few weeks, consulting with a general practitioner (GP) is advisable. She suggested contacting your GP if the issues continue. I think it’s the smartest approach to pursue beyond year one.
That doesn’t mean we’re being traumatized by it. No, what it means is that we are really feeling the effects of it on a profoundly human level—which, as Sadler explained, is awful and heartbreaking, right. She normalised feelings of stress and anxiety, encouraging people to remember that it’s only natural to feel distressed in these challenging conditions.
