Psychologists, charities advise Australians to talk in these tough times

As Australians cope with the after-effects of several national tragedies in the space of a few weeks, psychologists and charities are advising people to talk if they feel vulnerable and seek help if needed.

Long faces, glassy eyes, bowed heads and people with tightly crossed arms, almost hugging themselves, consoled each other near Martin Place. (AAP)

"These are trying days for our country," Prime Minister Tony Abbott said after the news that eight children had been stabbed in a home in Cairns.

“There will be tears and prayers across our country for these children.”

The news came just days after the siege in a Sydney café that resulted in the deaths of two innocent hostages and a massive outpouring of grief in Martin Place, and weeks after the sudden death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes.

Experts advise that emotional responses to these tragedies should not be suppressed and have emphasised the importance of turning our attention towards how children and the vulnerable are coping.

“Parents, grandparents, talk to your children about what's happening,” says Major Peter Sutcliffe from the Salvation Army.

“Those sitting on the edges of society who might have some mental illness issues they're certainly going to be affected by this.”

Clinical psychologist Jay Spence says that some people may need help putting the events into perspective.

“Even though something like this can highlight the possibility of trauma, the probability of trauma is still very low and going through life thinking that trauma is just around the corner is really just a recipe for being very unhappy.”

If you need support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.