Post-traumatic growth

Professor Stephen Joseph in his book “What Doesn’t Kill Us” notes that “Adversity … is often what propels people to become more true to themselves, take on new challenges and view life from a wider perspective”.

I want to be clear at the outset that in discussing post-traumatic growth, there is no intention of disavowing the very real impact of trauma or the existence of post-traumatic stress and depression. Rather, it proposes that trauma does not always have to be life-destroying. There is the possibility that from the disruption something new, strong and energised can emerge. It can be an opportunity to reset, refocus and re-engage with life with renewed passion and commitment.

I love the metaphor of the shattered vase used by Professor Joseph. Imagine that you drop a favourite vase and it shatters. You may be able to gather most of the pieces and stick them back together so that the vase looks somewhat like it did before. But the joins and gaps will still be there and the vase is fundamentally weaker than before and probably leaks a little (or a lot). The slightest knock may see bits loosen and fall off. An alternative is to gather the pieces together, rearrange them and create a beautiful mosaic – something whole and resilient that can proudly be displayed and offers something new and delightful to the world.

For me, post-traumatic growth isn’t some unexpected gift that leads to a personal nirvana. Trauma is not welcome, pleasant or kind, it’s cruel and devastating. But it doesn’t have to be the end or define the rest of your life. Post-traumatic growth is not about celebrating or giving thanks for the stress or trauma you have experienced but about accepting it and using the lessons to refocus your life and put it back on a positive trajectory.

This is not a wave of the wand instant process of transformation and relief. It’s a progressive journey of recovery, self-exploration and adjustment that changes our path and way of being in the world.

Aristotle said “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” Hope is a fundamental ingredient for recovery.  Just believing in the possibility of post-traumatic growth offers a chink of light in the darkness, a way to move forward and a reason to keep going.