Information and tips when someone in your surroundings has experienced a traumatic event

When someone in your close environment has experienced a traumatic event, it can have a significant impact on both themselves and the people around them. In this article, we share information and tips on how to best handle this situation and how to provide support to someone who has experienced a traumatic event.

What is trauma or PTSD?

Trauma is essentially the direct experience or witnessing of a shocking, frightening, or life-threatening event. When someone experiences prolonged symptoms such as reliving the event, avoiding situations that remind them of the trauma, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and increased irritability or startle responses, they may have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

For loved ones, it can be difficult to understand what is happening. For example, it may seem unusual that someone is easily startled by small things like a slamming door or a hand on the shoulder. Or that someone avoids certain news or places. Or can no longer tolerate certain smells, sounds, or touches. It is likely that all these things have become triggers due to the trauma, which can evoke strong emotions in someone.

What can you do if your loved one is struggling with a traumatic event or PTSD?

• Engage in conversation with your loved one and offer a listening ear. Support without judgment. It shows that you are caring and understanding and that they can turn to you.
• Shame and guilt are common after traumatic events and can even lead to self-blame and self-reproach. It is important to give space to these emotions and to be able to talk about them openly.
• By offering help in areas where someone is struggling, you can be a valuable support. For example, if someone finds it difficult to do groceries, offer to do it together.
• Encourage professional help and support your loved one in the process. Trauma symptoms are treatable, but they also require a lot from someone. In trauma therapy, you will be confronted with intense emotions. After a session, someone may feel quite exhausted.
• Learn more about trauma symptoms so you can better understand what someone is going through. Information can be found in the Trauma Library of NiceDay.