What is Trauma?
Trauma is complicated to say the least. Trauma is defined as an event where a person is exposed to death, serious injury, or threatened or actual sexual violence. Some people may experience this type of event and experience minimal symptoms. While others may experience more intensive symptoms. None of this is wrong or bad, just simply your experience. People with trauma may experience: nightmares, shame, guilt, avoidance, difficulties concentrating, aggression, trouble relating to others, and other mental health symptoms. Luckily, there are treatments to get rid of these symptoms.
How Should You Respond When Someone Tells You About Trauma?
This is a great question! How should you respond to someone you care for telling you something so deeply vulnerable. You may feel that you have no idea what to do or feel confused or frustrated. All of those feelings (and more) are valid AND we know that when someone feels unsupported by their support system they are more likely to develop PTSD symptoms. So what do you say that would make someone feel supported?
“I believe you”
“I am so sorry this happened”
“Thank you so much for feeling comfortable enough to come to me with this”
“Lets look up some resources for you if you are open to that”?
What we do not want to do is tell the person that this was “your fault” or “you need to report this”.
What Do I Do Now?
Self-compassion and early treatment is key. Provide yourself with the compassion you would give someone else who experienced something like this. Be kind to yourself, take care of yourself, and find resources in your area for treatment.
Resources
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 (previously 1-800-273-TALK)
Crisis Text Line: text “HOME” to 741741 to text with a trained Crisis Counselor for free, 24/7 from anywhere in the US
RAINN: Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or online chat