Coping with distressing events when you're living away from home

If you’re living in or travelling through Australia and feeling overwhelmed by recent events in Bondi, please know that you are a part of this community, and help is available.

Being away from home when something traumatic happens can be really difficult to handle. Watch below for some practical ways to cope right now, and keep scrolling to see what support is available.

Video transcript.

Things you can do right now

• Call home, or reach out to a friend or coworker nearby. Staying connected is vital for healing. Learn why talking helps.

• Limit how much you watch or read about the event to protect your wellbeing. Read our tips on how to cope if you see disturbing videos and other sensitive content.

• Keep up your routine. Doing familiar things, like exercising or cooking a meal that reminds you of home, can help you feel safe. Check out our guide to practising self-care.

• Talk to a professional if you're feeling isolated or distressed - they can help you process your feelings. Find local free or low-cost mental health services via headstart.

Direct support in Bondi/Sydney

• If you’re in the area and need someone to talk to, look for NSW Health clinicians wearing hi-vis vests. They’re on the ground to offer immediate support between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm daily. 

• Clinicians are also available at the community reception centre at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach (242 Arden St) between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm daily.

• If you’re aged between 7-17, Safe Haven at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick offers a calm space to talk with a mental health professional, no appointment or referral needed.

• If you need urgent mental health care at any time, head to the Emergency Department at Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick or St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst.

24/7 online and phone support

• To speak to a trained crisis supporter at any time, call one of the following:

  • Lifeline (13 11 14)

  • NSW Mental Health Line (1800 011 511).

  • Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) (for under 25s)

  • 13YARN (13 92 76) (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) 

• Need an interpreter? Call TIS National on 131 450 first.

• From a culturally or linguistically diverse community in NSW? Call the Transcultural Mental Health Line 1800 648 911 from Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 4.30 pm. Read our list of support services for culturally and linguistically diverse young people for more options.

Head to the NSW Health website to keep up-to-date with support being made available for those impacted.