by Tricia Diaz

Introduction

Trauma is a pervasive and undeniable part of our society. Many people around the world suffer from some form of trauma. Many people find it difficult to cope and deal with day-to-day life as a result of their traumatic experiences. So, what exactly is trauma? How do we, if we encounter someone who is traumatized, offer a form of comfort that will alleviate their suffering? We will discuss these topics in this article below.

What is trauma?

Trauma is negative psychological and physiological responses and effects that are the result of experiencing an event that causes mental anguish, emotional pain, sexual, physical or even financial harm. It can be a single negative event or an ongoing series of events, that cause lasting harm or stress to the individual. Not all people who experience adverse circumstances become traumatized, but all negative events have the potential to cause trauma.

So how do you comfort someone you believe is traumatized and needs to receive care? We will tackle this in two phases, part 1 will focus on if you are not familiar with the traumatized person but still would like to comfort them while part 2 will be for those individuals who are traumatized that you are familiar with and the tips and skills needed to comfort them as well.

PART 1- If you don’t know the traumatized person

1. Introduce yourself and make them feel safe

One of the worst things for someone who is traumatized to experience is to trust the wrong person with information that makes them vulnerable. This could cause them even more trauma than they already had before they shared their traumatic experience with someone, they should not have trusted. If you would like to comfort a traumatized person, one of the first things that is required of you is to introduce yourself honestly and truthfully and make them know that you are safe to talk to and share their feelings with. Reassuring them that you will not hurt them despite not knowing anything about them and giving them time to relate and speak to you without rushing them to speak is critical.

2. Actively listen to their account of their circumstances

When they speak, actively listen to understand exactly their unique circumstances. Ask follow-up questions and allow them to explain themselves in detail and tell you about their situation. As much as possible, try to make them feel comfortable.

3. Make them feel that they are not abnormal for having trauma

Make sure that as you listen to their circumstances, you do not inadvertently make them feel that they are broken or strange for having trauma. Even if you cannot offer a solution, express empathy and make them understand that they are not strange for feeling the way that they feel.

4. Offer your comforting word or piece of advice

Once you have finished listening to what you were told and if you are asked, offer your comforting words or advice if you have any. After you have done so, allow them to give their input.

5. Advise them to seek professional help

Advise them to seek professional help in conjunction with the advice you have given them to let them address the source of their trauma. Advise them to seek a therapist or mental health professional as soon as possible. If they do not know where to access one, or have no information on how to do so, go the extra mile and assist or provide information that could help them. It shows that you do care and are interested in helping them.

PART 2- If you do know the traumatized person

1. Show Interest

If the traumatized individual is someone that you do know, and you notice that their behavior has changed, after a negative event, show interest and ask if all is well.

2. Actively listen without judgement

Ask questions about how they feel now and about what has happened to them to make them feel how they feel. Do not make any judgements or take any sides on the matter and do not make them feel like they are being judged. Ask follow-up questions as they explain what happened to understand their situation in greater detail and how it has affected them.

3. Reassure them

Let them know that their trauma is not something that they should feel ashamed of and that they are not abnormal or broken for having trauma.

4. Offer Support

Volunteer to offer support in whatever way that you can to help them. Offer emotional support via a comforting word or advice or by just being there whenever they ask.

5. Advise them to seek professional help

Advise them to seek the help of a mental health professional and offer resources as needed. Encourage others to stand with them and create a support network on which they can rely on until they are able to care for themselves or resolve their trauma.

Conclusion

Knowing how to comfort a traumatized person is important to help alleviate their suffering. Following the steps above is critical in helping traumatized people feel comfortable, seen and heard.

Disclaimer

The information posted on this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose and treat disease or as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.

Publication Notice

Do not take things from this blog and use it as if it were yours.

Republishing Notice

If you choose to republish any article on this blog in quote or excerpt form, it must not be more than 100 words.

If you would like to publish 100 words or less, it must be used with its formatting and links present as is.

If you would like to publish more than 100 words you must contact us at noblemancreative@outlook.com and ask for permission to do so.

Notice on Photos

Photos are AI generated by WordPress and links to independent photos are stated if used.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.