Should you tell friends about trauma?

Trauma is an incredibly personal thing. Therefore, talking to someone about it needs to be just as unique. Please don’t open up about your trauma history because you think it will benefit someone else or because you feel that you owe it to someone.

When should you tell someone about your trauma?

I would wait a few months at least.” And Blacket says rather than thinking there is a ‘good time’ you might want to find what is an ‘easier time’ so when you’re both in a good place, feel a sense of trust and connection has been established and have time to talk privately.

Is it good to talk about traumatic experiences?

For some, talking about their trauma is an initial step toward healing. But for others, sharing an experience and then having the response be negative can harm recovery. It can shut them down and lock the psychological vault, if not for forever, then at least for a long time.

What do you say when someone tells you about 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.”

Why do people smile when talking about trauma?

Smiling when discussing trauma is a way to minimize the traumatic experience. It communicates the notion that what happened “wasn’t so bad.” This is a common strategy that trauma survivors use in an attempt to maintain a connection to caretakers who were their perpetrators.

How do you tell someone they are traumatized?

Suggestions include:

1. Allow the person to talk about what happened, even if they become upset.
2. Don’t insist on talking if the person doesn’t want to.
3. Reassure them you care and want to understand as much as possible about what happened to them.

Is second guessing yourself a trauma response?

You could feel intense anger or rage and even have thoughts of revenge. Many times, people who have experienced trauma begin to second-guess what they did or didn’t do during the event. Self doubts can lead to depression, which involves feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

How do you fix emotional trauma?

Ways to Heal from Emotional Trauma

1. Movement and Exercise. As trauma disrupts your body’s natural equilibrium, exercise and movement can help repair your nervous system.
2. Connect with Others.
3. Ask for Support.
4. Volunteer.

How do traumatic memories process?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you process and evaluate your thoughts and feelings about a trauma. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with eye movements or other forms of rhythmic, left-right stimulation that can “unfreeze” traumatic memories.

Why do I laugh during serious moments?

Nervous laughter is a physical reaction to stress, tension, confusion, or anxiety. People laugh when they need to project dignity and control during times of stress and anxiety. In these situations, people usually laugh in a subconscious attempt to reduce stress and calm down, however, it often works otherwise.

Who should you tell your trauma story to?

Be certain that the first people in whom you confide will respect your story and keep it safe – not blame you or shame you. Often, it’s best to share your story with a trusted friend, a support group, or a committed yet neutral third party like a counselor or trauma recovery coach.

Should I talk to my friends about my trauma?

If you have other friends who’ve gone through trauma and found help — or have found it helpful yourself — this may be the time to bring that experience into the conversation. Trauma is a complicated thing to process, and confiding about it to someone close to them can be a big risk.

What does it feel like to be a trauma survivor?

Many trauma survivors I’ve worked with described the strength they found as they faced their trauma and told their story. They said they felt like they could face anything, as they saw their fear lessen and found greater freedom in their lives.

How do you support someone who has been trauma?

To gain understanding, try reading up on the subject. “The more trauma-informed you can be in supporting others, the more they are able to relax and remember they are safe and supported,” said Lisa Olivera, a therapist in Oakland, California. 10. Don’t force them to talk about it.