What Can You Do for Others
Take care of yourself first. Then you can help others.
Acknowledge feelings as normal.
Be sensitive to individual circumstances, and different points of view.
Donít respond with ìyouíre lucky it wasnít worse.î Instead, say that you are sorry such an event has occurred and you want to understand and help.
Donít take emotional responses like anger personally.
Respect an individualís need for privacy. If someone doesnít want to talk about the incident or their feelings, donít insist.
Organize support groups at work to help one another
Offer a ìlistening earî to someone who hasnít asked for help but may need it.
Give encouragement, support and understanding with on-the-job issues.
Identify resources for additional help (EAP, mental health benefit, human resources department).
Helping Family and Friends
Offer to spend time with the traumatized person. Reassure them that they are safe now.
Offer help with everyday tasks like cleaning, cooking, caring for the family.
Respect their need for privacy and time alone.
Suggest available help (EAP, community resources, church groups, etc.)
Keep communication open -- be available and accessible.