|
The emotional toll of a crisis is unique to each individual, as is the need to discuss the issues that may surface. There are a number of ways you can help others restore emotional well being and a sense of control following a traumatic experience, including the following:
- Listen. Simply acknowledging feelings is important. Allow room for people to have their feelings, even as you try to reassure them.
- Allow for the expression of emotions. Provide a safe and quiet environment to discuss feelings and thoughts.
- Encourage others to give themselves time to heal, to mourn the losses and to be patient with changes in their emotional state.
- Help others communicate their experience in ways that feel comfortable to them - such as by talking with family or close friends, or keeping a diary.
- Be accepting of your own feelings and reactions, as well as those of others.
- Follow-up. Arrange to meet or call the person again. This demonstrates concern and understanding for their emotional pain.
- To be helpful to others, you need to take care of yourself. Make time for yourself and try to maintain a balance between being supportive to others and yourself.
- Remember healing from a loss takes time and can not be "fixed with a quick remedy." Sometimes your intervention will not be able to make someone feel better right away. Be prepared for this and don't take it as a comment on your helping skills.
|
