07/05/2023
Loss and trauma are part of life. Many people have heard of post-traumatic stress (PTS), a normal response to an awful experience, but not many recognize the struggles and hardships of trauma also can mean opportunities for growth.
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is a positive change you can experience as a result of your struggle with a highly challenging life event. In fact, it’s just as common as experiencing PTS. The benefits of post-traumatic growth are stronger relationships, greater awareness of new possibilities, increased personal strength, spiritual enhancement, and deeper appreciation for life. Post-traumatic growth is when you might not wish what you experienced on your worst enemy, but you value how it has resulted in who you are now—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually stronger. You find a “new normal” that’s different in a positive way.
Understanding trauma is a part of life doesn’t make traumatic events any less distressing or surprising. Nobody wants to experience trauma. But if it happens, remember it doesn’t have to mean negative consequences. There might be an opportunity for you to come out the other side—changed for the better 🙌🏼