Navigating Tragedy & A Guide For School Staff Facing The Unexpected | Episode 146

What can we do when tragedy strikes?

It’s a question no one wants to ask, but one every school staff member needs to consider.

I’ve been hosting The School of Wellbeing podcast for almost four years, and this is one of the most important and informative conversations I’ve ever shared.

As someone deeply committed to the wellbeing of educators and school communities, I know how hard we work to create safe, supportive environments. But the truth is, things happen in schools that we never could have anticipated, moments that leave us feeling unprepared, unsure and changed forever.

This episode is here to help you feel more informed, more supported and more connected when those moments arise.

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Kristen Douglas, Head of Headspace Schools and Communities. Kristen has spent nearly two decades supporting school communities through their most difficult times, including suicide, grief and critical incidents.

Together, we explore how school staff can respond to tragedy with compassion, clarity and care. Kristen’s insight is deeply practical and incredibly grounding, offering real tools for navigating situations that no one ever wants to face.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode

• The difference between suicide prevention and postvention.
• Why the words we choose after a tragedy really matter.
• The emotional load educators and school leaders often carry.
• Why the way we approach wellbeing is essential before, during and after a crisis.
• How to prepare for and process the unthinkable.

Who Is Kristen Douglas?

Kristen Douglas is the Head of Headspace Schools and Communities, with nearly 20 years of experience supporting schools across Australia. She leads a national team dedicated to suicide prevention, postvention, and wellbeing education.

Kristen has walked alongside school communities during their most heartbreaking times and brings wisdom, empathy and insight to every part of this conversation.

Why This Conversation Matters

As educators, we focus on lesson plans, student outcomes and building strong connections within our school communities. And while that work is essential, we also need to be prepared for the moments we hope never come.

This conversation offers tools, language and perspective to help you feel more prepared if and when tragedy strikes. It also highlights how the work we do every day to create safe, inclusive environments and encourage help-seeking behaviour is a vital part of both prevention and recovery.

This is an episode to keep close and to share with anyone who supports young people.

You can quote us on that…

“Know that you don’t have to do this alone and know that you don’t have to come up with these answers alone.”

Kristen Douglas

“The first couple of days [after a school tragedy] set the foundation for months to come.”

Kristen Douglas

Need Support?

If your school community is managing a crisis or suicide, please reach out immediately to your state’s Be You Team (Headspace):

• ACT & NSW: 0475 838 049
• NT: 0484 269 957
• QLD: 0455 079 803
• SA: 0448 381 280
• TAS & VIC: 0458 559 736
• WA: 0477 769 352

You can also contact them for support with postvention planning, training or preparedness.

For more resources:
🔗 Suicide Prevention and Response – Be You
🔗 Whole School Wellbeing – Be You

Contact

Kristen Douglas LinkedIn | Instagram

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