15/04/2024
Bondi Junction was where I started my business and where my clinics were for 7 years.
Bondi was my home during that time, and is still a special place for me. I was there just last week and will be again this week, I can only imagine the difference I will feel between both visits 🙏🏻❤️
I’ve spent the last few days pondering how I can provide support and information to others impacted by the tragedy on the weekend.
This video covers the points below which are a guideline for supporting people after a traumatic event.
❗️Trauma is a subjective experience; what is trauma for one, isn’t trauma for another
❗️To know if someone may need professional support or if they are still in crisis after the trauma, look at their coping and response as the guide
❗️Help someone to seek professional help if they are experiencing (a) strong, overwhelming fear, (b) a sense of helplessness, horror, dysregulation and are not able to regulate from these feelings
❗️Professionals who can help include a GP, hospital (if in crisis), existing supports such as psychologists, counsellors, social workers
❗️Lifeline (13 11 14) is a 24/7 crisis line and is not only available to those experiencing the trauma but for others who are providing support
❗️For some people, the response to the crisis is immediate, for others there may be a delayed response. Keep checking in on your people for the weeks to come and monitor for changes in behaviour and declining mental health (more in the video)
❗️All kinds of reactions can occur to a traumatic situation, helping someone by letting them know this is normal can help them to understand their response
❗️If involved in the trauma directly, don’t ask people to share the details of the trauma over and over (or at all). Instead, ask them how they are feeling right now and what would be supportive for now (or the days/weeks to come), who is currently supporting them?
❗️Some people may want to share, and that’s ok if they do, what we don’t want to do is ask questions that have the person re-living the experience unnecessary and possibly adding to their trauma
❗️Where possible, help the person to have choice and control in all the ways that they can, this can help protect their mental health and recovery
❗️Offer practical help and support
❗️Support and remind the person that rest, sleep and time out to do these is a normal and helpful part of recovery
❗️Help the person to do things that they enjoy, whether by themselves or with the support of others as this is an important tool for trauma processing and mental health protection
I’ll also be sharing further posts and information in the coming days on:
- How to support others who have experienced trauma
- How to look after and support yourself
ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS
For those who were a witness to the events at Bondi Junction, support is available through Victim Services: https://victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/
Lifeline: 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or chat online
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or chat online
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online
13 Yarn: 13 92 76
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
Workplace Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provide free and confidential support
And of course I am available to support to my clients and others affected.
Feel free to share this to anyone it may be helpful for.