The incident at Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday 13th April was very traumatic. Wayahead recognises that an event like this can impact the whole community. Traumatic events can create new or trigger existing mental health challenges.
Anxiety affects a person’s thoughts, feelings in the body, and behaviour or actions. Anxiety becomes a problem when it stops people from living their lives the way they want to, and it impacts daily functioning. Not everyone requires professional mental health support, but if you are experiencing stress reactions it is important to speak to your GP and to seek professional support.
For anyone feeling distressed by the tragic event at Bondi Westfield please remember there is professional support available.
For anyone seeking support the following services are available:
NSW Health Services:
- NSW Health have specialist disaster-trained clinicians at Bondi Junction.
- The NSW Mental Health Line is available 24/7, with specialist staff available to speak to anyone affected by the attack. Call 1800 011 511.
- Members of the community can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
More information and support:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/bondi-junction-support-information
Wayahead’s Mental Health Information Line is available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. Through our information line, we can support you with services, provide support, and share information. If you need assistance phone 1300 794 991.
Wayahead’s Mental Health Information Line is available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. Through our information line, we can support you with services, provide support, and share information. If you need assistance phone 1300 794 991.
For parents/carers, limiting children’s exposure to the media including online social media during this time can reduce distress. It is important to let children talk about how they are feeling and provide opportunities to express their feelings. Sometimes children express how they feel through play rather than through words.
It is important to monitor for signs of anxiety in children as children may not be able to express what they are feeling. Parents can monitor for physical symptoms of anxiety and talk to their children about what they are feeling in their bodies. Children may display different symptoms. This could include sleep disturbance, nightmares, headaches, and hair pulling. Anxiety can also result in nail biting. Parents can check for red chapped lips and their child’s mouth area as some children’s cheek bite. Anxiety can also result in a dry mouth, constant coughing, and difficulty swallowing. Children may have trouble breathing, chest pain, and heart palpitations. In the stomach area nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and cramping are signs.
Small Steps is an education program aimed at raising awareness and improving the recognition of anxiety disorders in children. The program is delivered to school or preschool parents and teachers. For information please email: smallsteps@wayahead.org.au or phone 02 9339 6003.
Wayahead hosts free support groups which comprise a small number of people who come together to share personal experiences and information in a safe, friendly, and supportive environment. Participants often form a bond based on the commonality of their day-to-day experiences. They learn from each other, experience relief, have fun, and become inspired by each other’s journeys. Often there are people present who have recovered from their illness/disorder, who choose to attend to provide support to others. For more information call 9339 6013 or email supportgroups@wayahead.org.au
At Wayahead we are deeply saddened by what has happened, and our thoughts go out to everyone impacted. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the victims and their families at this difficult time.