Helping someone deal with emotional and psychological trauma

[Christina Kasper]

It can be difficult to know how to help a loved one who’s suffered a
traumatic or distressing experience, but your support can be a crucial factor in
their recovery.  

Be patient and understanding. Healing from emotional or
psychological trauma takes time. Be patient with the pace of recovery and
remember that everyone’s response to trauma is different.  Don’t judge your
loved one’s reaction against your own response or anyone else’s.

Offer practical support to help your loved one get back
into a normal routine. That may mean help with collecting groceries or
housework, for example, or simply being available to talk or listen.

Don’t pressure your loved one into talking but be available when
they want to talk. Some trauma survivors find it difficult to talk
about what happened. Don’t force your loved one to open up but let them know you
are there to listen whenever they feel ready.

Help your loved one to socialize and relax. Encourage them
to participate in physical exercise, seek out friends, and pursue hobbies and
other activities that bring them pleasure. Take a fitness class together or set
a regular lunch date with friends.

Don’t take the trauma symptoms personally. Your loved one
may become angry, irritable, withdrawn, or emotionally distant. Remember that
this is a result of the trauma and may not have anything to do with you or your
relationship.