Wellness Calendar: Thursday 30 May

Post-traumatic growth

There’s an idea that has been floating around since the 1990s, which says that while we would not have chosen to be traumatised, if we’re able to recover from its effects then we are likely to be stronger for having had the experience. Some people who have managed to come out the other side of their distress are found to have
some of the following attributes:

• more appreciation of life
• more self-awareness and understanding of themselves
• more focus and determination
• more human and humane
• more adaptability
• less fear
• greater resilience
• greater vividness
• greater openness and honesty
• enhanced attunement to their senses
• enhanced attunement to interactions with others
• a higher quality of life

Some people become what is known as a ‘wounded healer’: they have suffered, or are still suffering, and wish to help other people as part of a higher calling, as part of reappraisal about what’s important in their life. Many counsellors and people in the caring profession have had instances of trauma and abuse, and are able to demonstrate compassion, sympathy and empathy, which in turn gives their lives more purpose, richness and reward.

Do you have any thoughts on this notion?