Do’s and Don’ts in Trauma Support:
DO:
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Stay calm and regulate your tone of voice to be steady and soothing.
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Validate their emotions with statements like, "It’s okay to feel this way."
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Ensure physical safety by helping them move to a secure and quiet location.
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Use simple grounding techniques like deep breathing to help them feel present.
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Offer support without pushing them to talk or relive the event.
DO NOT:
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Don’t say things like, "You’ll be fine" or "It’s not a big deal," as this minimizes their experience.
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Don’t touch them without asking, even if it feels comforting.
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Don’t force them to talk about what happened if they’re not ready.
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Don’t make assumptions about how they’re feeling or what they need.
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Don’t leave them alone unless they ask for space and are in a safe environment.
basic
Grounding Exercises
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique
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5 Things You Can See: Look around and name five visible objects.
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4 Things You Can Touch: Focus on textures and surfaces you can feel.
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3 Things You Can Hear: Pay attention to sounds around you.
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2 Things You Can Smell: Identify two scents (or imagine ones you enjoy).
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1 Thing You Can Taste: Savor a sip of water or notice the taste in your mouth.
Breathing Exercise
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Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4.
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Soften your shoulders
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Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 6.
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Repeat 4-6 times, focusing on the rhythm.
Grounding Affirmations
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"I am here right now."
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"I can feel my myself touching the ground."
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"I am breathing."
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"I am present in this moment."
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"I am real."
initial Trauma Support Overview
What Is Trauma?
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A distressing event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope.
Signs of Trauma:
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Emotional signs: fear, anxiety, numbness.
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Physical signs: rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing.
First Steps:
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Create a safe space and remain calm.
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Use grounding techniques to help the person feel present.
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Validate their feelings without trying to "fix" the situation.
When to Seek Help:
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Signs of self-harm, severe withdrawal, inability to respond or continued distress beyond a few days.
Helplines and Resources:
This will be a clickable link to a list of local and national crisis hotlines.
Remember you are not replacing professional care.
Your role is to stabilize and support until help arrives.
After Mass Traumatic Events:
School Shootings / Natural Disasters / Mass Accidents
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Encourage collective safety and calm among groups.
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Identify a safe space for individuals to gather and rest.
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Remain sensitive to diverse reactions (numbness, crying, anger).
Learn More:
After Personal Trauma or Assault:
Rape / Physical Attack
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Help them feel physically safe by creating a secure environment.
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Encourage grounding techniques (e.g., slow breathing or touching a textured object).
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If possible, walk through their house with them to confirm windows/doors are locked.
Learn More:
After War, Bombing or Global Events
Cultural Attacks/ Car Bombings / Mass Accidents
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Acknowledge feelings of helplessness.
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Identify a safe space for individuals to gather and rest.
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Encourage grounding
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Call loved ones if possible
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Find something safe to place your back against.
Learn More: