If some external factor triggered the emotion, remove the stressor. Provide a safe environment for the person you are trying to help.
If someone is really confused the most helpful thing is often simply to be in a stable state yourself.
If you are “trying to offer helpful suggestions” the word trying suggest that you yourself go into a state of exerting effort. If the person you are “trying” to help picks up the fact that you aren’t sure what you are doing that isn’t helpful.
A hypnotherapist once told me that an emotion usually lasts 90 seconds if it’s not renewed by the person. For myself process through the emotion of a lost family member took longer than 90 seconds less than 10 minutes of being present with the emotion and allowing it to express themselves in a environment with capable individuals that gave the necessary stability.
Depending on your relationship to the person and their present state, a hug or other physical contact can be helpful.
If someone has a triggered PTSD it’s not like a wound where you have to stop the bleeding. It might very well be the best thing for the person to process the emotion that comes up in that moment. Being 10 minutes in a very uncomfortable state isn’t enjoyable but might be the best option for the person. You don’t want to give suggestions that push the person out of the state if there’s no danger.
If some external factor triggered the emotion, remove the stressor. Provide a safe environment for the person you are trying to help.
If someone is really confused the most helpful thing is often simply to be in a stable state yourself.
If you are “trying to offer helpful suggestions” the word trying suggest that you yourself go into a state of exerting effort. If the person you are “trying” to help picks up the fact that you aren’t sure what you are doing that isn’t helpful.
A hypnotherapist once told me that an emotion usually lasts 90 seconds if it’s not renewed by the person. For myself process through the emotion of a lost family member took longer than 90 seconds less than 10 minutes of being present with the emotion and allowing it to express themselves in a environment with capable individuals that gave the necessary stability.
Depending on your relationship to the person and their present state, a hug or other physical contact can be helpful.
If someone has a triggered PTSD it’s not like a wound where you have to stop the bleeding. It might very well be the best thing for the person to process the emotion that comes up in that moment. Being 10 minutes in a very uncomfortable state isn’t enjoyable but might be the best option for the person. You don’t want to give suggestions that push the person out of the state if there’s no danger.