Throughout my career, I have worked with thousands of folks who have suffered every type of trauma you can possibly imagine.

Experiencing trauma is part of the human experience. Whether through personal hardships, loss, crime, military service, or global events, trauma shapes our lives and perspectives.

Yet, despite its prevalence, many of us struggle to navigate the aftermath. One concept, known as Post Traumatic Growth, can transform the experience of trauma into a source of strength and resilience.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth
Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) is a psychological transformation that occurs after experiencing trauma, leading to significant personal development. The journey of PTG involves:

• Appreciation of Life: Recognizing the value in everyday moments.
• Relationships with Others: Building deeper, more meaningful connections.
• New Possibilities in Life: Discovering new paths and opportunities.
• Personal Strength: Realizing your inner strength and capabilities.
• Spiritual Change: Finding deeper meaning or a new spiritual perspective.

The Challenges of PTG
The most challenging aspect of PTG is moving beyond the initial psychological struggle to achieve personal growth. This process requires:

• Support Systems: Having a robust support network is crucial.
• Sense of Belonging: Feeling connected to a community or group.
• Contribution to Community: Seeing oneself as a valuable contributor rather than a burden.

Combatting Trauma-Induced Despair
Understanding the factors that lead to traumatic despair, particularly suicide, is essential in fostering PTG. According to Thomas Joiner’s theory, those at risk of suicide often:

• Do not feel a sense of belonging.
• Perceive themselves as a burden.
• Have an acquired capability, a comfort level with death, and the means to die.

Addressing these factors through community support and meaningful connections can significantly reduce the risk of suicide and promote PTG.

Real-Life Applications
As a therapist in the late 1990s and early aughts, I focused a lot on the mindset of the individual and how they classified themselves. 

Few could look at their struggles and see that they had successfully persevered through hardships and that they were not a burden to their friends, workmates, family, or community. 

Few felt a sense that they belonged…anywhere. 

Rebuilding or renewing their connections to belong, and a sense of interdependence as opposed to being a burden were critical.

An Ecosystem of Support
Our work at the Arizona Coalition for Military Families has shown that creating an Ecosystem of Support is vital. By partnering with various stakeholders, we have:

• Implemented the “Be Resilient” program for the Arizona National Guard, resulting in zero suicides over three years.
• Developed the “Be Connected” program to support over 500,000 service members, veterans, and their families in Arizona.
• Trained more than 5,000 community members across the state to recognize opportunities to support service members, veterans, and their families and equip them with the skills to be an open door to Be Connected.
• Worked with numerous employers, communities, government, and community organizations and systems to integrate awareness of Be Connected resources into the community through events, presentations, workshops, and activities.
• Developed the Coaching Into Connection program to facilitate social and community connections to combat loneliness for Arizona’s service members, veterans, and their family members.

These initiatives underscore the importance of belonging and community support in overcoming trauma and fostering growth.

A Personal Story of Hope
A memorable example of PTG involved a recently separated Marine in Arizona who faced financial distress and potential eviction due to bank fraud. Through our community support network, he received holiday support for his son, financial assistance to prevent eviction, and help to stay current on his car payments. Today, he has a new job, is applying for a home loan, and can focus on his mental health, illustrating the power of community in fostering resilience.

Trauma is, unfortunately, a part of life. But it doesn’t have to define us negatively. Through understanding PTG, building strong support systems, and fostering a sense of belonging and contribution, we can transform our trauma into a source of growth and resilience. By embracing these principles, we can navigate the path from despair to hope, ultimately emerging stronger and more connected.