Psychological trauma can represent an opportunity to change your outlook on life.
After experiencing a traumatic event, it is difficult for many to get back on their feet. While some people are able to overcome their pain and emerge stronger, for others it takes time and effort.
The possibility of rebuilding
The psychological trauma experienced following an event depends less on the facts than on what the person may have felt at that time. When this happens, the trauma turns your whole existence upside down, causing you to reflect and revise your vision of the world.
By subjecting people to intense emotional stress, trauma often raises fundamental questions about the meaning and priorities of one’s life. It involves an evaluation of one’s own values, letting go of what is not essential and focusing on what is truly valuable to each individual.
Harnessing the power of resilience
Resilience is our ability to cope with adversity and recover from failure, while accepting change. Going through difficult times helps develop greater resilience to deal with the problems that arise in life.
Recognizing the fragility of life and the value of moments of joy can encourage people who have experienced trauma to appreciate the small joys of everyday life more and live more in the present. Some will need to change their relationships with others, others will need to change their job, their relationship or their place of residence.
Making Trauma a Learning Experience
After trauma, everyone evolves at their own pace. For many, it can represent a source of learning and wisdom. It can help to better understand one’s inner resources and for some to develop capacities for compassion towards themselves and towards others.
Experiencing trauma in one’s life is not desirable, however we all have the ability to transform this pain into an opportunity to appreciate what is essential and reexamine our priorities.
Learn more: “THE Body forgets nothing: THE Brain, Mind and Body in Healing from Trauma” Bessel van der Kolk.
