How to Help a Trauma Victim Recover

You may know that your friend or family member has been through a trauma recently or you may simply know that something is very wrong. In either case, you can be very helpful to a loved one in need if you understand what he needs. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Encourage the victim to disclose the event, if it's unknown. Victims can be reluctant to talk, but they need to share rather than withdraw. Let the victim know you're aware of his pain in a way that makes him feel strong rather than more vulnerable. Say, for example, "You are bearing your pain with great dignity." Let him know you are available to listen.
2. Do whatever you can to make the victim feel safe, once you understand the nature of the event. Change locks, accompany the victim to the doctor or the store. Address the question of danger very calmly and repeatedly reassure her that she is safe.
3. Help him to express his feelings about the event more fully, once some sense of safety has been established. Comfort and support him.
4. Discourage addictive behaviors like substance abuse. At a time like this, self-medication can easily get out of control and become dangerous.
5. Encourage the victim to go for walks, engage in aerobic exercise or use relaxation techniques to reduce panic attacks and recurring physical symptoms of fright.
6. Help the victim develop a recovery plan, which may include medical care, counseling and/or legal action. Help her choose professionals and make practical plans for taking action and getting to appointments. This will make her feel less helpless, which is a crucial step toward recovery.
7. Talk to the victim not only about what happened and why he reacted the way he did, but also about how to put the event behind him and return to a purposeful life. Remember you don't have to have all the answers. What's important is an open line of communication and introduction of these topics.

Tips & Warnings

• Throughout the process, continue to assure the victim that she is safe; if there is guilt present, that the act of violence was not her fault; and that she remains lovable and loved.
• Join the victim in exercising and relaxation. This will provide extra encouragement and companionship, and help keep you calm. Dealing with victims creates stress for caregivers as well.
• Never minimize potential danger in the face of a victim's fear. "Oh just get over it, it's over now." or "Don't be silly; that's not going to happen again." Comments like these trivialize a victim's pain and fear and increases his isolation by proving that nobody understands. After all, something very bad did happen, didn't it?
• Don't treat aggressive outbursts as acceptable, however. Help the victim re-establish control by starting with herself. Set limits.