Helping Others Recover from Trauma

How do we help people who experience trauma?

Helping people who experience trauma because of a natural disaster does not require specialized training but requires us to be informed. Below you will find some essential tips for helping people cope with trauma after a natural disaster.

Tip No. 1: Interactions should be compassionate, calm, and helpful. When working with people who experience trauma, it’s important to listen, speak calmly, and keep an open posture. Recognize individuals may be in shock, angry, crying, or fearful. They may be unable to verbalize their needs.  

Tip No. 2: Prioritize physical safety and basic needs. Prioritizing safety and shelter can reduce stress and restore a sense of normalcy. Be practical and connect individuals with up-to-date information and resources. Practical efforts can include providing food, water, comfortable clothing, safety, and shelter. Also ask, “What else do you need?”

Tip No. 3: Look for signs of trauma and provide support.People might feel helpless and be unable to problem solve or follow simple directions. They may also suddenly become overwhelmed with emotion. Simple support can include:

  • Tell them you care about them.
  • Actively listen and give information.
  • Connect them with family, friends, and other resources.
  • Give safety and shelter.
  • Empathize, but avoid statements such as, “I understand what you are going through.”
  • DO NOT make promises.
  • DO NOT ask or try to force someone to share their experience or story, which can retraumatize them.

Tip No. 4: Give information about coping and connect them with professional helpers.By doing so, you help deactivate the survival system and can help restore a sense of calm. Information about coping can include tips on caring for themselves and others who experience a natural disaster. These include helping restore routine, acknowledging emotions, staying flexible and seeking professional help especially if there are signs of crisis.

  • Signs of crisis: panic attacks, substance misuse, expressing feelings of hopelessness, social isolation, and suicide behaviors. Crisis can occur at any time after a traumatic event, but sometimes one to three months afterward.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

References:

National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2006). Psychological First Aid Field Operations Guide 2nd Edition. Rockville, MD: National Child Traumatic Stress Network

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA's Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4884.pdf

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Coping Tips for Traumatic Events and Disasters. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline/coping-tips

Source: Paul Norrod, DrPH, RN, Extension specialist for Rural Health and Farm Safety

Social media post: You don’t need special training to help other people recover from trauma. We have some tips such as listening and providing needs. Find out what else you can do for others after a disaster.