Part 5: Be Patient
Things Survivors Wish You Knew Series
By Patrice Tillery
Today's Things Survivors Wish You Knew topic is patience. Patience is the ability to remain calm and tolerant in facing difficulties, adversity, or delays without becoming frustrated or upset. It entails the capacity to endure or wait calmly for something, demonstrating understanding and tolerance toward situations or individuals, even when progress is not as swift as desired.
Healing, rebuilding, and moving forward take time. Survivors require their loved ones and supporters to exhibit patience as they navigate their journey to recovery. Recovery is not a linear process, and setbacks are common.
Being patient with survivors entails creating a safe space without pressure or judgment, where survivors feel empowered to navigate their emotions and experiences as they see fit. Helpful support to survivors can involve active listening without interruption, enabling them to express themselves freely and validating their feelings without imposing expectations or timelines. It's about providing unwavering support while allowing them the autonomy to reclaim their sense of self and regain trust in their own time.
Other ways to demonstrate patience with survivors include encouraging them to seek professional help and providing quality resources while understanding that they may need more time to utilize them. BWJP’s DV101 course, housed in our learning management system, The Learning Community, is a valuable resource for delving deeper into these concepts. Practicing patience is an ongoing effort that acknowledges the resilience required for survivors to confront their trauma and rebuild their lives. It involves celebrating even the most minor steps forward and understanding setbacks without assigning blame or pressure.
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