Trauma is a profound and difficult experience that can trigger strong emotional responses. Communicating with someone who has experienced trauma is often difficult and requires sensitivity.
What is a trauma-informed approach?A trauma-informed approach is a way of working and communicating that takes into account the impact of traumatic experiences on a person. It aims to create a safe environment, avoid re-traumatization, and support the person's recovery.
A trauma-informed approach is extremely useful in working with military personnel because it takes into account their unique experiences.
Military personnel tend to be spatially controlled, quick and decisive in their decision-making. They are more action-oriented than talkative, and may require clear explanations. Their emotional state may be contradictory: apparent restraint may be replaced by an unexpectedly violent reaction. A military member or veteran may appear wary, withdrawn, or react sharply during interactions.
Therefore, it is extremely important to show sensitivity, caution in communication, respect for the acquired military experience. Indifference, trust, openness are crucial in establishing effective communication and further support.
A prerequisite for effective and safe communication should be thorough preparation of social workers for interaction with veterans, which includes both external and internal factors. Therefore, it is important to take into account the following recommendations:
Prepare in advance
Pay attention to the accessibility and inclusiveness of the space. Create a safe environment: quiet atmosphere, soft lighting, minimal distractions. Prepare everything that can ensure comfortable communication over coffee or tea. Take care of your own emotional state: it is important to remain calm and balanced, but at the same time very attentive. Evoke and maintain a sense of control in the interviewee Emphasize maintaining anonymity, show respect for other people's experiences, and avoid any judgments. Ask permission before asking for something or offering help. Be aware of triggers, avoid physical contact and excessive emotionality (not only hugs, but also handshakes can cause an unwanted reaction). Respect the person's dignity by emphasizing their autonomy: "You should decide for yourself what is best for us to talk about." Support in crisis situations Do not express your disagreement, refrain from any comments, do not react to the possible inappropriate behavior of the interlocutor. Prolonged traumatic stress can lead to exhaustion, irritability, a sense of betrayal. The process of adaptation, overcoming post-traumatic stress is a very complex process. Alertness, a sense of potential danger characterize the mental state of veterans, since their body and mind are accustomed to constant threat. Develop skills in providing first aid and first aid. Avoid phrases like: "Hold on," "Get a grip," "Others are going through the same thing." Try to maintain control during emotional outbursts; neutral topics can be used to reduce tension. Listen, don't ask questions. It is very important to listen without interrupting, even if it is difficult. Avoid intrusive questions about the details of the traumatic experience. Use open-ended questions: “Is there anything that helps you feel better?” Show maximum sensitivity in communication Validate the person's emotions without minimizing them. Be patient and allow the person to express themselves at their own pace. Remember that prolonged traumatic experiences can lead to difficulty processing information, emotional detachment, and outbursts of anger during communication. Be careful not only with your words but also with your facial expressions – your facial expression can alert or offend the person you are talking to. You should show kindness and understanding of the veteran’s emotional state without minimizing the significance of what he or she has experienced. IMPORTANT TO KNOW The paradox of trauma is that people tend to avoid help and contact precisely when they need it most. One of the severe consequences of traumatic experiences is the emergence of various addictions. Psychoeducation and motivational interviewing can be useful tools in combating them. To prevent suicidal thoughts, it is necessary to direct the interlocutor to constructive actions. If such intentions are detected, facilitate the provision of professional help. The main requirement for trauma-informed communication should be to remain calm and focus on preventing the situation from worsening. Clearly define your role and consider its limitations when interacting in wartime: do not take on tasks that are beyond your experience; use contacts and arrangements for possible redirection. Adaptation is necessary for all returning veterans and can take a long time. One of the consequences of military experience is hypervigilance and a tendency to distrust others. It is also worth considering the tendency towards pessimism, as well as black humor as an element of military culture. The consequences of military experience can be a decline in cognitive abilities and emotional burnout, which, combined with a heightened sense of justice, can lead to inappropriate behavior. This applies not only to the military - their experience is not isolated, but intertwined with the experience of the community. Overcoming these consequences requires readiness for complex topics, developing strategies to maintain emotional connections, maximum attention to traumatized people, and support in their search for new meaning.The material was prepared within the framework of the project "Resilience. Strength. Support" with the support of European Union in Ukraine and and International Renaissance Foundation within the framework of the joint initiative "European Renaissance of Ukraine: Civil Society Resilience and Recovery Initiative".
The material represents the views of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the International Renaissance Foundation.