Table of Contents
- 1 What should you not say to someone with trauma?
- 2 What do you say to someone who experiences something traumatic?
- 3 How do you respond when someone opens up trauma?
- 4 How do you confront trauma?
- 5 What can happen after a traumatic event?
- 6 Is it okay to apologize to someone who hurt you?
- 7 How can I support someone who has been through a traumatic event?
- 8 Why is it important to apologize for your actions?
What should you not say to someone with trauma?
Things Never to Say to Trauma Survivors
- It’s Time to Move On.
- It could not have been that bad.
- Stop Being Negative.
- If You Continue Dwelling On It, Then You’ll Never Move On.
- Do You Think You’ll Ever Stop Being Depressed?
- You’re a Survivor, So Quit Being a Victim.
- It Could Always Be Worse.
What do you say to someone who experiences something traumatic?
Suggestions include:
- Allow the person to talk about what happened, even if they become upset.
- Don’t insist on talking if the person doesn’t want to.
- Reassure them you care and want to understand as much as possible about what happened to them.
Can you forgive someone who traumatized you?
Some days you will be angry and some days you will feel resolved. You should forgive someone who has traumatized you, if you choose to do so. Forgiveness is recommended as part of a spiritual journey to healing from trauma.
How do you respond when someone opens up trauma?
Focus on non-judgmental, compassionate responses which help reduce shame. You might say “I’m so sorry you had to experience that,” or “you didn’t deserve that, and you deserve support now,” or “I want you to know you’re not alone,” or “you did what you have to do to survive.”
How do you confront trauma?
Coping with traumatic stress
- Lean on your loved ones. Identify friends or family members for support.
- Face your feelings. It’s normal to want to avoid thinking about a traumatic event.
- Prioritize self-care. Do your best to eat nutritious meals, get regular physical activity, and get a good night’s sleep.
- Be patient.
How do you forgive someone who caused you trauma?
How to Forgive Someone Who Traumatized You
- 1 Accept what happened so you can move forward.
- 2 Give yourself time to work through your emotions.
- 3 Write your feelings in a letter or journal.
- 4 Talk it through with a friend.
- 5 Empathize with the person, if possible.
- 6 Be patient with yourself.
What can happen after a traumatic event?
After surviving a traumatic event, many people have PTSD-like symptoms at first, such as being unable to stop thinking about what’s happened. Fear, anxiety, anger, depression, guilt — all are common reactions to trauma.
Is it okay to apologize to someone who hurt you?
Despite the circumstances or intentions, if the other person was hurt, an apology is very healing. In situations where both people feel hurt (as happens so often), then both can have a chance to give an apology and express forgiveness. Don’t expect that an apology will be an instant fix.
Do you have to apologize to someone to get their forgiveness?
In situations where both people feel hurt (as happens so often), then both can have a chance to give an apology and express forgiveness. Don’t expect that an apology will be an instant fix. Depending on the severity of the hurt caused, the other person might still need time after an apology to feel “okay” or to trust again.
How can I support someone who has been through a traumatic event?
Supporting someone who has been through a traumatic event can take a toll on you, sometimes so much so that your own health can be affected and you can no longer act as an effective support person. It is crucial that you take time out and reach out to friends and other supportive people in your community.
Why is it important to apologize for your actions?
A sincere apology can also bring relief, particularly if you have guilt over your actions. An apology alone doesn’t erase the hurt or make it ok; it does establish that you know your actions or words were wrong and that you will strive harder in the future to prevent it from happening again.