Helping friends and family after a traumatic or distressing event can be difficult, but you can help. It's always a good idea to ask the person how you can best support them through the trauma. Listening, talking and practical help are all important ways to help.
Trauma – supporting others
Trauma will affect everyone differently. Teenagers especially may withdraw and seem not to react.
Providing support and comfort is important to help someone who has experienced a traumatic event recover, but don’t assume you know what they need. Ask how you can help. Offer practical support like taking care of some of the farm chores, looking after the children; bring some ready made meals for the family.
Even if you don’t feel like you are doing ‘enough’ be assured that your support is helping them recover, even if you cannot see any immediate effects.
References used for this topic page
More information:
Australian Psychological Society
Last reviewed:
26-August-2010
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