How to Help the Hurting

Holidays are especially hard for people in Trauma. Even when you are around familiar people or traditions, trauma brings a new level of awareness for the brokenness you feel, and it seeks to steal the joy of those moments.

Our working definition of trauma is “an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope.” This can be from a broken relationship, physical pain, loss of a family member, an injustice or a myriad of other events.  

Especially in the early stages of trauma it can feel like life is unfair, not worth living, or completely devastated. It can bring isolation, anger, sadness, fear, anxiety, obsessive behaviors, disengagement and chaos. 

The holidays tend to accentuate these emotions and feelings. Therefore, it is a good time to be mindful of those around who have experiences that have left them unable to cope. Coming alongside them in simple ways can bring a greater hope to them during the holidays.

Here are three tips for helping others find hope during this holiday season:

1. Give them permission to not do “all the things.”  Let them know it’s ok to keep it simple or take a break from attending parties or events that overwhelm them. If they do rsvp for a gathering and offer to bring something, make sure it is an item that is a “flexible need.” That way if they don’t have the emotional stamina to attend they won’t feel like they ruined your plans.
2. Remind them they are loved by giving a surprise care package that includes any of the following: a candle, blanket, tea (or favorite drink), music, bath balms, lotion; anything that can make them feel pampered or thought of personally.
3. Reduce the stress of gift giving by providing them some funds to help with gifts for their family or shop for them if it is too overwhelming for them to go shopping themselves.

We offer these tangible items, but also encourage you to share the Hope of Jesus with your hurting friend. 

This season reminds us that Jesus cared enough to come to this broken world and live the injustices it offers, to shed His blood as payment for our sin. He is a man of sorrows, acquainted with our grief, who offers Hope beyond our current circumstances. 

Isn’t that amazing!?! Invite them to trust Him more fully and live in perspective of our eternal Hope.

Not sure where to start? Here is a recommended resource: We encourage you to download the SpreadTruth The Story app today https://thestoryfilm.com/. It is a great resource for sharing the truth of the eternal Hope we have in Jesus!