You know post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but have you heard of post-traumatic growth?
Coined by psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun, post-traumatic growth is a term characterized by positive psychological changes in those affected by PTSD, often finding new meaning from their experiences and thriving in the aftermath of trauma.
With 25 years of research backing it, post-traumatic growth is a phenomenon we see it playing out in front of us daily. From war and natural disasters to injuries and sexual assault, trauma is the catalyst for growth and transformation, helping you build strength and resilience in areas in your life you least expect.
Let’s explore five ways post-traumatic growth can help you thrive:
1. A New Appreciation For Life
When experiencing fear and loss from trauma, we’re often confronted with the threat of losing the things we cherish most in life and thus start to take notice of the things we previously overlooked or took for granted.
Post-traumatic growth shifts our mindset, creating a sense of gratitude toward the life we’ve been given. Whether it's the view of the sunrise or the taste of your morning coffee, mundane moments no longer seem so small and are experienced through new eyes and with greater appreciation.
2. Discovering Personal Strength
Working through trauma makes you better equipped to handle future problems, increases your resiliency in the face of adversity, and helps you discover new strengths.
It also instills confidence when facing new challenges as past experiences give you the insight needed to navigate difficult situations.
3. Exploring New Possibilities
Surviving trauma can cause one to re-evaluate their life completely. From developing new hobbies and rethinking priorities to changing jobs and moving across the country, the aftermath of trauma helps survivors see new possibilities in life. You may find that where you once felt stuck you now see purpose, possibilities, and value. Life itself may look and feel different than ever before. Introspection and new ideas born of your traumatic experience can make the present moment seem more precious.
Not only that but mental and emotional doors that previously seemed closed to you can feel more and more accessible. You may feel excited to invest your mind, body, and talents for causes that reflect your perception of new potentialities and opportunities.
In summary, post-traumatic growth allows one to see new pathways for themselves that they otherwise would have never dreamed of pursuing if it weren’t for their trauma.
4. Spiritual Growth
In the aftermath of trauma, we often turn to something larger than ourselves to make sense of what happened and why it happened the way it did. Whether spiritual, religious or something else entirely, a belief system helps us cope with traumatic experiences and create new worldviews. In other words, post-traumatic growth can help us create a deeper understanding of the world and discover our place in it.
5. Improved Relationships
Improved relationships are often cultivated from the need to give and receive support through difficult times. One of the biggest impacts trauma can have on us is how it affects our ability to connect with others and trust people. As you heal and work to process the unhealthy connections or lost relationships in your life, your perspective on people may have shifted.
Those coming out of trauma are likely to recognize the importance of the relationships in their life, especially ones overlooked in the past. Perhaps you value community and social connection more. You may find newfound empathy, compassion, and altruism. You might simply feel an openness toward humanity that you couldn't tap into before your trauma or for some time afterward. Your post-traumatic breakthrough may simply be evidenced by your unwillingness to take the people in your life for granted. Moreover, reaching out for help, expressing emotions, and learning to rely on others strengthens connections and fosters post-traumatic growth.
Looking For Trauma Treatment In Cincinnati?
Therapy Cincinnati is a mental health group practice specializing in trauma therapy for women located in the Cincinnati area, ready to partner with you on your journey towards growth and healing. Schedule a free 15-minute call with one of our therapists today to see if we’re a good fit for you.