Grow Through What You Go Through by Chrissy Hack, MSW, LSW, PEL
Many of us have heard, “this will make you stronger.” When you are in crisis or experiencing a traumatic event, these are most likely not the words you want to hear. However, there is some truth behind this statement.
According to an article, Growth after trauma, published by the American Psychological Association, “Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a theory that explains this kind of transformation following trauma. It was developed by psychologists Richard Tedeschi, PhD, and Lawrence Calhoun, PhD, in the mid-1990s, and holds that people who endure psychological struggle following adversity can often see positive growth afterward.”
Not all trauma survivors experience PTG, however, for those that do, the positive changes can be lifelong. Through their research, Tedeschi and Calhoun found that PTG can have lasting positive effects on personal strength, create closer relationships, improve your appreciation for life, help you recognize the availability of new opportunities, and foster a deeper sense of spirituality.
So, you may ask,
“How do I get from here to there?”
When you are experiencing crisis or trauma, it’s important to give yourself grace and space to feel and process. Don’t try to rush into the evolvement of growth until you have had enough space from your trauma to begin healing. I would encourage you to seek support from a therapist to help you process and cope with your trauma.
Once you are in a space that is ready to heal and grow, you may notice yourself in state of distress or confusion as you try to understand why this terrible thing has happened to you and what it means of your world view as you continue to move forward. This is where the transformation and growth begins. Being a survivor of trauma can be difficult, but using your experience to grow can help turn pain into beauty.
Personal Strength
Trauma survivors can experience a sense of “I can.” Through post-traumatic growth, you can develop a greater feeling of self-reliance and recognize your capacity to not only survive but triumph. You may notice that you are much stronger than you thought you were, which gives you strength to know you can handle other difficult situations you may encounter in the future. You learn to believe in yourself!
Closer Relationships
After you have experienced trauma, you may be more open to lean on others and accept that you benefit from close personal relationships and support. You may also become more comfortable with intimacy and vulnerability. This will have long lasting impacts on the effort you put into your relationships, the value you find in relationships, and increase your compassion for others who suffer.
Appreciation of Life
Trauma survivors can experience a changed sense of priorities. Things that you may have taken for granted before are now things you value and recognize the importance of them in your life. This type of gratitude also comes with a sense of being more present in the moment and appreciation of the “little things in life.” This shift in priorities can create an increase sense of gratitude and have a positive shift on overall mindset.
New Opportunities
After you have experienced a trauma, you may realize the value of opportunities. For instance, you may have wanted to try a new hobby, interest, vocation, etc. Trauma survivors may recognize new opportunities and are likely to change things that they have been wanting to change or develop a willingness to try new things. This openness to new opportunities can offer a life filled with more enjoyment, success and resiliency!
Deeper Spirituality
Trauma survivors may also develop a deeper sense of spirituality. Initially, trauma survivors may question their beliefs and philosophies on life. This questioning can lead to a deeper sense of awareness and beliefs in their own spirituality and life journey.
Trauma is hard, really hard. BUT, surviving trauma and finding purpose through the pain can be a beautiful and life-changing experience. If you have experienced trauma, please seek the support of a mental health professional. You deserve to see beautiful again.
If you find yourself struggling, please reach out to Lotus Therapy Group at 708-552-7330.
