Post Traumatic Growth

Post Traumatic Growth

By Julie Hruska

We are all familiar with the term PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder, but are you familiar with PTG, post traumatic growth?

Post Traumatic Growth refers to the positive mental shift experienced as a result of adversity. The concept of Post Traumatic Growth does not negate the effect of trauma or imply that people suffering from PTSD should simply bounce back. What PTG research does suggest is that over time, psychological functioning increases and people can experience benefits of moving past trauma.

Research identifies five core areas where post traumatic growth emerges.

1.  Gratitude

2.  Relationships

3.  Possibilities

4.  Confidence

5.  Purpose

1.Gratitude

After trauma, people often show a greater appreciation for life.

2. Relationships

Many report improved and enhanced relationships with those they are closest to. They begin to value their family & friends more deeply.

3. Possibilities

Research indicates that people are more open-minded to new possibilities after a traumatic event.

4. Confidence

Many people feel surviving or overcoming a trauma gives them strength and wisdom. Their strengths are revealed as they cope and move beyond, which allows people to gain new insights and interpersonal awareness.

5. Purpose

Trauma can reengineer your life perspective, which leads many to reevaluate their purpose and create a greater impact on the world.

After experiencing trauma, we must allow ourselves to feel, to go through the stages of grief and healing on our own schedule. One should never rush right into or force Post Traumatic Growth. The good news is that when you are ready, there are ways to increase your Post Traumatic Growth.

1.  Stay Present

2.  Be Autonomous

3.  Learn Lessons

4.  Build Confidence

5.  Surround with Support

1.  Stay Present

•  Focus on the present
• What can I do today that will have an impact?
• What can I do tomorrow?

2.  Be Autonomous

• accept what is happening
• focus on what you can control
• your attitude
• your decisions
• your reactions/responses

3.  Learn Lessons

• Now that the trauma is subsiding, what are you discovering from or about what you’ve gone through?
• What have you learned about yourself?

4.  Create Confidence

• Keep doing what makes you feel strong
• Stop doing what feels draining
• Accentuate your new found strength by celebrating each small success and step toward growth

5.  Surround with Support

• Create a supportive circle to help you learn and grow
•  Connect with others who align with your purpose