After a sudden crisis, it’s normal to experience intense distress. However, these strong emotions do not mean that recovery and growth are impossible. Rather than suppressing these feelings, the process of healing involves gradually incorporating them into a new outlook on life.
While not everyone may find a positive side to a crisis, there are ways you can help a friend or family member navigate through it:
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Post-Traumatic Stress Is Rare: Full-blown post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is relatively uncommon. Even those who were directly impacted by the September 11th attacks—such as individuals at the World Trade Center or those injured—saw only about a quarter develop PTSD later on.
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Respect Their Need for Space: Don’t force someone to talk if they aren’t ready. Processing trauma often happens in small, intermittent steps. Between these moments, individuals may turn to friends and family for temporary relief.
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Support Their Coping Methods: Offer support as they navigate through strong emotions. Be patient and understanding, even if their words seem odd or disconnected. “You need to meet them where they are as they explore a new way of understanding life,” says trauma expert Rich Tedeschi.
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Avoid Pushing for Closure: It’s important not to rush someone to move on from their pain. Instead, help them cope with their emotions and give them space to process their feelings. Distress can spark personal change, and working through pain can ultimately lead to finding meaning in a traumatic experience.
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Give Time and Hope: Be patient with their recovery. Offer your unwavering support and help them hold onto the hope that things will improve with time.
By providing understanding and consistent support, you can assist loved ones in navigating the complex emotions of a crisis, helping them emerge stronger and more resilient.
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