Watching family and friends go through difficult times is hard. We may not know how to talk with them or what to say. Sometimes we might even want to get mad with them and sometimes we feel like we're going through the trauma ourselves.

After a significant trauma it is important to make sure your friends and family do not isolate themselves. It is hard to reach out when they are stressed so reach out for them and maintain contact so you are more able to help and support.

Some things work at certain times better than others. Try making a social date or talking on the telephone or do things you often did before email—like dropping someone a note or even just a postcard to let them know you're thinking about them.

People who were affected may find it difficult to communicate with others who have not had the same experience.

Sometimes by just talking about the general experience, people may feel more comfortable in starting to share how they have been affected. That's not going to be the case with everyone.

These feelings and sensations they are having are an understandable response to an abnormal situation.

These tips and guides are here for you to read through every now and then and check how they—and you—are doing.

Read through the information on What are they going through? and Ways to help others.

If they are feeling really bad and things don't seem to be getting any easier for them have a look at Where to get help and see if you can encourage them to talk with someone. There is no shame in asking for help. They can even do it anonymously on the support line.

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