You will also help your friend by communicating your own limits to them. You'll help more effectively if you don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed or resentful about helping more than you really can. Help your friend choose actions she or he can take to increase personal safety. Help the survivor take steps. It is important that both you and the survivor are aware that there are no guarantees, just reasonable assurances that they will gradually recover.
Patience is very important.
Helping survivors find someone to discuss their feelings with may help them regain control and the ability to concentrate. Anxiety can be expressed in physical ways such as nausea, or nightmares, difficulty breathing, sleeping, or eating. Listening to relaxing music, doing breathing exercises, taking a warm bath. Taking a little time off from regular responsibilities may help relieve anxiety. Using alcohol, other drugs, food or high-risk activities to decrease anxiety doesn t help in the long run.