# Supporting Population Mental Health in the Wake of Mass Tragedies

## TL;DR

This paper discusses how to support mental health after mass tragedies like the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

## Contribution

The paper introduces the ADAPT model as a framework for guiding psychosocial interventions after traumatic events.

## Key findings

- The Bondi Beach attack caused significant community distress requiring urgent mental health attention.
- The ADAPT model is proposed to guide interventions promoting adaptive coping and resilience.
- Psychological responses after such events can range from adaptive to dysfunctional over time.

## Abstract

The Bondi Beach terrorist attack has caused widespread community distress resulting in complex psychosocial challenges that require urgent attention to protect population mental health. Acute reactions including shock, fear and anger are normative, while the psychological responses unfolding over time may vary from adaptive to dysfunctional. A range of mental health and psychosocial services have been mobilised to address acute needs; however, to ensure a sustained and coherent framework of care, interventions should be guided by a set of principles that accurately respond to the unique nature of the event. We provide an overview of the Adaptation and Development After Persecution and Trauma (ADAPT) model as an overarching framework that can guide psychosocial interventions and promote adaptive coping, recovery and resilience.