There is a significant rise in the understanding and exposure to Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). Note, I do not refer to PTS as a disorder (PTSD). Some more progressive Somatic clinicians feel that PTS is a biological and evolutionary response to a traumatic event. It is not a disorder but rather a naturally systemic and primal response to threat. The concept of ‘trauma’ is becoming a more common sensitivity to psycho-social conversations. As a person who has dedicated most of her life, education and career to understanding trauma, implementing evidence based methods of intervention and helping individuals and communities overcome adversity, I am pleased to see that this subject is no longer carrying as much(we are early in its outreach to institutional and political adaptation) stigma, taboo or sheer avoidance. People need to be informed. It breeds compassion, humanitarianism and conscious living.
But have you heard of Post Traumatic GROWTH?
PTG is referred to as a positivepsychological change experienced as a result of adversity and other challenges in order to rise to a higher level of functioning. This is not a means of minimizing someone’s pain or suffering and can often be experienced alongside the symptoms of PTS. It is also not to be confused with resiliency which is the personal attribute or ability to “bounce back.” Rather, PTG suggests that under the wake of a traumatic event, people develop new understanding of themselves, their community, the world and often their relationship to a higher order. The traumatic event has not broken them but broken them open. Open to a new lens of viewing life and new meaning in participating in life.
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.” Rumi
According to Tedeschi and Calhoun and the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) (Journal of Traumatic Stress, 1996), PTG is indicated with positive responses in five areas:
Appreciation of life.
When one faces a life-threatening event and when the reality of impermanence, injustice, or unexpected tragedy is at the cusp of one’s basic survival, appreciate for life, even the most basic hierarchy of needs, come to the forefront of existence and gratitude for survival surmounts all else.
Relationships with others.
Traumatic events often complicate or tear relationships apart (largely due to lack of support or understanding). They can, however, also bring people together and help individuals re-evaluate the way they interact with others, the standards or terms applied to developing healthier relationships, and more tolerance and compassion for other’s unique circumstances.
New Possibilities in life.
With a new lens of life, more appreciation for life and refined connection to people, new possibilities will inevitably emerge. Traumatic events often inspire redirection of one’s purpose/career and willingness to try new things or bring to fruition “bucket list” dreams.
Personal Strength.
Have you ever needed to do something and thought you couldn’t, but then you did? Do you remember how amazing it felt? How strong and capable you felt? How you were able to believe in yourself more? PTG is largely linked to a Strengths Based perspective which creates a sense of personal power, personal belief and courage that influences one’s behavior in all of life, not just during the survival of the event. This a significant shift from being a victim to claiming personal power and will in forward moving, forward thinking choice.
Spiritual Change.
Spiritual change is not specifically linked to religion, but also Eastern philosophies, contemplative practices, earth-based practices and unique, self-generated, individual beliefs. Science has proven that those people who believe in something ‘bigger’ are more likely to create enhanced meaning and mindfulness in life.
Over my social justice and mental health career, I have seen and heard stories of the unimaginable trauma that permeates the globe, from Tempe to Rwanda. If there is one thing that I have learned, it is the extraordinary ability for people to not only overcome trauma, but to somehow grow from it. Some of my most respected clients, colleagues, friends and family are people who have suffered in horrific ways and their work and more conscious, grateful and purposeful ‘way’ in the world is deeply impacting. This is not to suggest the gravity of their stories is not heavy in their soul, but an indication that their story fuels a passionate quest to develop a new narrative of the healing human race.
You can do hard things. They can grow you. They can give you more meaning. More presence. More purpose.
