Here’s What to Say to Someone Who Saw Something Traumatic w/Examples

Trauma can leave deep, lasting scars, often more significant than physical wounds.

When someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, it can disrupt their life in profound ways.

Knowing how to approach someone who has been through a traumatic experience can be challenging.

It’s essential to tread carefully, providing them with the comfort, support, and empathy they need while also acknowledging their pain.

In this post, we’ll share examples of what you might say to someone who has experienced trauma, hoping to help you convey your care and concern appropriately.

What to Say to Someone Who Saw Something Traumatic: 25 Example Messages

• “It’s hard for me to fathom the emotional turmoil you must be going through right now. I want you to know that I’m here for you as a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, and a hand to hold. Feel free to open up to me about anything when you’re ready.”
• “It genuinely pains me to see you grappling with such a traumatic experience. Please take to heart that I’m here to support you in whatever capacity you need, be it helping you with everyday tasks or simply providing company during this tough time.”
• “No one should have to navigate through such an experience alone. I’m here by your side and if you’re open to it, we can explore the possibility of seeking professional help, which could provide you with the right tools to cope.”
• “Healing and processing this experience isn’t a race. There’s no standard timeline or ‘right’ reaction. You have all the time you need to grapple with your feelings and make sense of what happened.”
• “Seeing you in pain like this is difficult, and I wish you didn’t have to go through this. Remember, it’s okay to feel the way you do. Your feelings are a natural response to a traumatic event and it’s important to let them flow.”
• “Remember that it’s perfectly okay not to be okay. It’s natural to feel shaken, upset, and lost after what you’ve been through. Rest assured, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re in this together, and we’ll navigate through this, one day at a time.”
• “If you feel comfortable talking about it, I’m all ears. But if you’re not ready, that’s also perfectly okay. I can sit in silence with you, or we can discuss other topics to distract you. What matters is that you know I’m here for you, no matter what.”
• “Your feelings are not only valid, they are important. If you feel the need to express them, whether through tears or words, I am here to provide a safe space for you to do so.”
• “Remember, there’s no expiration date on healing. Don’t pressure yourself to ‘get over it’ quickly. Healing happens at its own pace, and all you need to do is take it one day at a time.”
• “What you’re dealing with is a lot for anyone to bear. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. If you need solitude or distance for a while, know that I respect your wishes.”
• “I see your strength shining through, even in the face of adversity. I believe in your resilience and ability to recover. We’ll face this journey of healing together, step by step.”
• “Even in the midst of this turmoil, it’s essential to care for your physical health. Remember to nourish your body with wholesome food, ensure you’re getting enough sleep, and engage in activities that bring you joy whenever you can.”
• “Understand that your reactions and feelings are normal under these circumstances. Traumatic experiences can trigger intense emotions, and it’s crucial to acknowledge and accept them.”

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• “When you’re ready, it could be beneficial to consider professional help. There’s absolutely no shame in seeking support from those trained to handle trauma and its after-effects. We can look into this together when you feel prepared.”
• “This incident is an unfortunate part of your life, but it does not encapsulate your identity. You’re so much more than this experience, and with time, I hope you will begin to reconnect with all the aspects of yourself that make you wonderful.”
• “It’s crucial to know that it’s okay to ask for help. Be it from me, someone else you trust, or a professional counselor. You don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone.”
• “In the midst of this tumultuous time, it might be helpful to keep routines that bring you comfort. They can provide a sense of stability and normality, even when everything seems chaotic.”
• “I can only imagine the immense weight of this experience. But remember, you’re allowed to feel weak and vulnerable. You don’t always have to be strong.”
• “You might feel alone, but you’re not. There are people who care about you and want to help. Whenever you’re ready, let’s reach out to them together.”
• “Remember, you are not alone in this. There are many people who have been through similar experiences, and there are resources and support groups available if you’d like to connect with others who understand.”
• “What you saw was not your fault, and I urge you to internalize that. It’s important to remind yourself of this, especially during moments of self-doubt and blame.”
• “I see your strength, even if you can’t right now. Despite the darkness, your resilience is shining through. You’ve survived thus far, and I truly believe you can continue to endure, finding rays of light in the darkest corners.”
• “Even though things seem bleak at the moment, it’s important to hold on to the belief that things will improve. Remember, after the darkest nights come the brightest days. Stay strong and patient.”
• “In the aftermath of what you saw, it’s okay to be scared or angry. You don’t need to suppress these feelings. They are valid and I’m here to support you as you work through them.”
• “Take each day as it comes. Try not to fret about the future too much right now. Focus on today, take care of yourself, and remember I’m here with you, always ready to support you.”

Wrapping Up

Communicating with someone who has witnessed a traumatic event requires sensitivity and empathy.

The way we respond can significantly influence their healing process. It’s crucial to provide reassurance, validate their feelings, and remind them they are not alone.

Remember, there’s no perfect way to navigate these situations – the most important thing is to be there for them, offering support, love, and a listening ear when they need it.

Encouraging professional help may also be an important step, as they may need more resources to navigate their recovery.

However, the first step is understanding and empathizing, as conveyed in the messages above.

Image credits – Photo by arash payam on Unsplash