Post-Traumatic Growth: How to Find Meaning & Appreciation Through Hard & Tough T

This is known as “post-traumatic growth.”

We might experience:

stronger relationships

newfound appreciation

new spiritual awareness

increased resilience

enhanced personal strength

What Are the Five Phases of Post-Traumatic Growth?

Post-traumatic growth is defined as the positive effect that occurs after a traumatic experience.

Those who have studied this phenomenon have noted five phases or stages of post-traumatic growth, which tend to happen quite naturally after a particularly tough event. These stages or phases include the following.

1. Personal Strength

This refers to how we decide to deal with the event that has transpired.

2. New Possibilities

Trauma causes our perspective on the world to change (or at the very least, shift).

3. Relationships With Others

Post-traumatic growth further allows us to bond and connect with others. By talking about it and building connections, we can understand we aren’t alone.

4. New Appreciation for Life

Knowing things could be worse provides us with a great sense of appreciation for what we do have.

5. Spiritual Evolution

From there, many experience a spiritual change.

What Are Examples of Post-Traumatic Growth?

There are various ways a person may experience post-traumatic growth. Here are a few common ones:

• Restored belief or renewed belief in a higher power
• Starting a charity related to the traumatic experience
• Increased desire to foster closer relationships with loved ones
• Breaking up an unhealthy relationship
• Starting a new job or life purpose
• Learning new things, such as trying a new hobby