A Word On Trauma

Trauma brings us face to face with our mortality and as such, can lead us to appreciate and even treasure moments of peace or connection we may have taken for granted. Post-traumatic growth doesn’t deny deep distress, but rather posits that adversity can unintentionally yield changes in understanding oneself, others, and the world. Post- traumatic growth can, in fact, co-exist with post traumatic stress disorder.

What is Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG)?

Simply stated, Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) refers to the positive life changes that can follow a trauma or crisis event. The counterpart to PTG is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the more widely known combination of negative outcomes that disrupt lives. Yet, many people are also able to find meaning in their trauma or crisis, and use that to achieve a quality of life that is even better than it was before.

Five Common Domains of PTG

• ● New Possibilities: Discovering new hope by recognizing possibilities for the future that weren’t perceived before the crisis.
• ● Deeper Relationships: Often relationships are tested when there is a crisis, and those that endure may be even stronger for having survived the trauma. Additionally, telling others about trauma requires vulnerability that can lead to deeper relationships.
• ● Personal Strength: At times, traumatic events can bring to the surface strengths that were previously hidden or obscured. In the process of coping or problem solving, new strengths could also be discovered.
• ● Spiritual and Existential Change: Given the life or death nature of many traumatic events, some will explore questions about the meaning of life. Some will discover a new mission, such as helping others who have survived similar traumas.
• ● Appreciation for Life: Even when they don’t grapple with existential questions, some will acquire a new appreciation for life in general. Survival can be seen as a second chance.

Phases of PTG

• ● Education: Learning about both the painful consequences of trauma as well as the possibilities for growth in the aftermath.
• ● Regulation: Recovering from the main effects of the trauma, someone reaches a state of clarity and reflection on their experiences.
• ● Disclosure: Openness about disclosing aspects of the trauma to others, thus gaining social support.
• ● Story: Integrating the trauma experience into the overall life experience, forming a cohesive narrative.
• ● Service: Desiring to “give back” by helping make a positive difference in the lives of others; often with similar trauma.

Cultivating Growth After Trauma

Trauma survivors who want to cultivate growth can strive to process the experience once they have space from it. It’s nearly impossible to evolve in the middle of a crisis, but reflection in its aftermath can provide a foundation for growth. Survivors can explore how the experience changed their mindset, if they appreciate life in a new way, whether their relationships have deepened, or whether they embody a new sense of spirirtuality.