How to support your peers who have been through a traumatic event!

We all know somebody who has been through something traumatic and we have wanted to be there and support them. Everybody goes through different things and it affects them differently. When somebody goes through something traumatic it doesn’t only affect them physically and mentally it also can destroy them emotionally. From personal experience and knowing people that have been through something traumatic different people can be helped in different ways. Sometimes just listening to them can be very helpful if you’re ever around when somebody has a break down just let them have their moment and then let them calm down. After everything has calmed down then you may be able to try and talk to them sometimes they just want to be alone. Below is some ways that you can help and be there for somebody that has been through or is going through something traumatic. According to www.helpguide.org these are some ways that you can be there and help support somebody that’s been through or is going through something traumatic.

• Be patient. Getting better takes time, even when a person is committed to treatment for the traumatic event. Be patient with the pace of recovery. It’s a process that takes time and often involves setbacks. The important thing is to stay positive and keep at it.
• Educate yourself about the traumatic event. The more you know about the symptoms, effects, and treatment options, the better equipped you’ll be to help your loved one, understand what he or she is going through, and keep things in perspective.
• Don’t pressure your loved one into talking. It can be very difficult for people to talk about their traumatic experiences. For some, it can even make things worse. Instead of trying to force it, just let them know you’re willing to listen when they’re ready.
• Take care of your emotional and physical health. As the saying goes, put on your own oxygen mask first. You won’t be any good to your loved one if you are burned out, sick, or exhausted.
• Accept (and expect) mixed feelings. As you go through the emotional wringer, be prepared for a complicated mix of feelings—some of which you’ll never want to admit. Just remember, having negative feelings toward your family member doesn’t mean you don’t love them.