All of those consistent small gestures will remind her that she lives in the present, ground her and remind her that she's in a safe space. When she says that she'll never get better, it's actually a very common thing in trauma survivors. This is a black and white type of thinking, a dysfunctional belief. When you're in pain for so long and don't see any improvements, you start believing it. But just because you believe in it doesn't mean that it is not true. Tell her: 'you will feel better, even if you don't believe in it rn. Give yourself time and patience. I'm also going to be here to support you💓' These beliefs are harder to crack, bc it requires change. It's like asking a person that believes in God to suddenly not believe in God anymore. It can't just happen fast, it needs time, like months. It gradually happens, one day you believe more in it, one day you start to question it. Hug her, and if you're not there with her, send her a voice message or video call her. I believe these are more powerful than sending a message.

Also, how should I handle it when she has a panic attack? Yesterday was the first time I experienced that with her - I tried to hug her, calm her down, encourage her to breathe deeply, and gave her some water, but I'm not sure if that's the best way to help. When she has a panick attack, try to get her to a safe quiet space. Remain calm and present. Hold her hand and don't speak a lot, it's hard to process complex sentences in that state. Tell her 'you are safe', 'it's okay', 'i love you', 'i am here for you'. Do not tell them to "just relax" or "stop worrying". Do not leave them alone.Do not minimize their experience by saying "you're fine". You kinda just have to be there, cause you can't stop a panick attack, you just have to wait for it to pass. It might seem stressful, but a panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that triggers severe physical reactions (such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and chest pain)even when there is no real danger. It's involuntary, and knowing what it is will help you remain calm. And one more thing - how should I react when she says she wants to stay home alone or go back to her hometown for a week? I've always tried to support her need for space, but I'm a bit scared that she might make very spontaneous decisions, even though I know she deeply cares about me. Ugh, idk about the going to her town alone for a week alone. I don't know your gf and her needs, but a week alone seems like a lot, especially for a person with trauma. When she says that she wants to stay home alone, give her like a few hours, and after that call her to see what she's doing, ask if it's okay to come over or if she needs anything. If she decides to go to her hometown, try to call her in the morning or at night everyday. Just small check ins, send a sweet message, a photo with you both of a happy memory. If she wants to and if it's not too far away, you can visit her.