This is a moment of shock and grief and overwhelming sadness for our nation.
The attack at Bondi Junction has shaken the sense of safety we’re so lucky to take for granted in this country.
It’s also demonstrated the stirring depth of strength and resilience we possess as a community.
It’s natural to feel disoriented right now.
And it’s natural to want answers.
As police search for those answers, there have inevitably been questions about the role of mental illness in this tragedy.
It’s my personal view that right now, our thoughts should stay first and foremost with the victims – and with the heroes. The ordinary people whose courage reminds us of the spirit and compassion that binds us.
As we process these events, though, it can be useful to pause and remind ourselves that mental illness does not equate to violence. Mindframe reminds us that our behaviour can be influenced by a range of factors, including substance use, for example.
It’s worth remembering, too, that 45 percent of us will be affected by mental ill-health at some stage of our lives. And that people who live with mental health issues are more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators. That people living with complex mental illness face high levels of stigma and discrimination every day. We don’t yet know if or how the mental health system failed in this case. We must have that discussion – in time and on the facts.
Now is a time for poignant reflection and commemoration. A time for turning towards each other, rather than turning against each other.
So reach out to those you trust and tell them how you feel – because there’s a good chance they’re feeling it too.
The attack at Bondi Junction has shaken the sense of safety we’re so lucky to take for granted in this country.
It’s also demonstrated the stirring depth of strength and resilience we possess as a community.
It’s natural to feel disoriented right now.
And it’s natural to want answers.
As police search for those answers, there have inevitably been questions about the role of mental illness in this tragedy.
It’s my personal view that right now, our thoughts should stay first and foremost with the victims – and with the heroes. The ordinary people whose courage reminds us of the spirit and compassion that binds us.
As we process these events, though, it can be useful to pause and remind ourselves that mental illness does not equate to violence. Mindframe reminds us that our behaviour can be influenced by a range of factors, including substance use, for example.
It’s worth remembering, too, that 45 percent of us will be affected by mental ill-health at some stage of our lives. And that people who live with mental health issues are more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators. That people living with complex mental illness face high levels of stigma and discrimination every day. We don’t yet know if or how the mental health system failed in this case. We must have that discussion – in time and on the facts.
Now is a time for poignant reflection and commemoration. A time for turning towards each other, rather than turning against each other.
So reach out to those you trust and tell them how you feel – because there’s a good chance they’re feeling it too.
