In my professional opinion as a therapist, everyone throughout their lifetime, will experience a various degree of trauma or crisis contributing to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Certainly, no one wants to suffer, struggle or continue to live in pain or fear. However, there is no insurance (except for life insurance) to prevent unexpected events, crises, or the circumstances that we cannot control. Some forms of trauma include:
- Birth related trauma
- Injuries
- Health problems (mental illness, chronic diseases)
- Growing up in a violent home
- Living with parents who experience mental illness, substance abuse or went to a prison
- Witnessing natural disasters (earthquakes, tzunami, fires)
- Affected by War
- Political changes within a country
- Divorce or breakup
- Financial or economic loses, poverty
- Sexual violence/abuse
- Domestic violence and abuse
- Grief (loss of loved ones)
- Generational Trauma
It seems that the list can go on. Trauma can impact a person’s life on so many levels, such as emotional, physical, mental, financial, spiritual, etc. So, why do people respond differently to trauma? Why is someone capable of moving forward in spite of trauma, and another person to continue suffering throughout their lifetime? Why do some people feel stuck in life; however, some not only survive, but thrive despite adverse circumstances? Of course, every person is unique and so is their life story. Constructed by so many generational DNAs stories, each of us is a byproduct of our ancestors, not only their biological “makeup,” but mental and emotional ones. Perhaps, our mental immune system plays a critical role to withstand adverse events and to overcome trauma, not only survive, but thrive.
Interesting research studies by Bonanno (2005, 2012), conclude that
- 10-15% of people following trauma will experience chronic symptoms of trauma (impairment)
- 25% will experience symptom remission (recovery)
- 60% report growth following trauma (posttraumatic growth).
The number 60% is so optimistic.The major key aspects identified of Posttraumatic Growth include the following domains:
- Purpose in life and identifying new possibilities
- Deepening connections and relationships
- Awareness of personal strengths
- Altruism and compassion
- Enhanced creativity
- Appreciation of life
- Spiritual Development
Do you think that our abilities nowadays are to thrive beyond our limitations? Do you think it has to do with our divine nature? The term divinity does not necessarily translate into religion. Divinity reminds us about our core essence, and our ability to thrive beyond trauma and the limitations that we may have imposed upon ourselves in the past. I believe that today is a new time. What actually keeps us from our divinity is when we feel that we are powerless victims. The victims believe that they are stuck in life and they have no control over their destiny. The victim mentality is the lowest level of consciousness. When someone feels to be a victim, then they may feel that they need a Savior (Something or Someone outside of themselves). Perhaps, a Savior can be a technology, a virtual reality (phone or computer), addictive behavior, social media, etc. When technology takes over a person’s reality, then certainly they won’t have any control in their lives.
Anything can be used, misused, or abused. When trauma survivors change the narratives of their traumatic experiences, they change the meaning to live and they move forward. We lose our divinity when relying on human information that we believe is true. Technology is always bound to be limited as it is constructed within limited 3D, while human potential is multidimensional and infinite.
Notes from The Therapist:
- Try to explore if trauma can be a catalyst for positive change
- Decrease negative rumination
- Learn to accept rather than react
- Try to change the narrative of your life. You are the author. You can literally re-write your life story by creating an empowering one.
- Find the ways to give back to other people by helping and guiding them to share healing journey
- Engage in meaningful activities for others while making the difference
- What would be your three Truths (words of wisdom) that you would like to share with the world about life?
- What do you celebrate in your Life?