A clinical psychologist has warned the public not to watch horrific footage of the massacre in a Christchurch mosque today.

Ian Lambie shared the message, along with advice on how to cope after at least two gunmen opened fire at two central Christchurch mosques. Dozens are feared dead.

One gunman filmed as he shot victims in one of the mosques and the footage has been shared widely on social media.

"Don't watch the video," Lambie said.

"To watch it is traumatising ... it's not going to help. And as well as being unhelpful it's voyeuristic and totally an awful thing to do."

Feeling anxious, not wanting to leave home, losing interest in every day activities and having trouble sleeping are signs someone might not be coping.

Those feelings were normal initially, he said.

"We are going to feel some of these things, it's when it goes on after a couple of weeks [that it's a concern]."

He encouraged people to look out for each other, especially those in Christchurch.

"Just show kindness and compassion to people."

Source: nzherald.co.nz

BDST:  1644 HRS, MAR 15, 2019

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