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Trauma – supporting others

Providing support and comfort is important to help someone who has experienced a traumatic event recover

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.

Trauma - helping loved ones
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.
Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

References used for this topic page

More information: 
Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health

Mental health and wellbeing information

Australian Psychological Society

Traumatic events

Better Health Channel

Trauma and teenagers

Better Health Channel

Trauma and children

Better Health Channel

Trauma and children - tips for parents

National Center for PTSD (US)

Helping a family member who has post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Research & reviews: 
Acta Psychiatra Scandinavica

The effect of social networks and social support on common mental disorders following specific life events

Psychiatric Services

The role of social network and support in mental health service use: findings from the Baltimore ECA study [PDF 95kb]

Fast facts: 
Trauma – supporting others
  • People’s reactions to trauma vary a great deal. Research shows that support from family and friends will help people recover.
  • Children and teenagers may need extra attention if they’ve experienced a traumatic event.
  • Don’t leap in and take over in your eagerness to help. Ask what you can do to help, offer practical support but don’t push it.
  • Give the person the opportunity to talk about what happened, provide comfort if they become upset.
     

 Find out more about trauma – supporting others
Last reviewed: 
26-August-2010

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