Psychological trauma is the result of extraordinarily stressful events (natural disasters, the death of a loved one by suicide, pandemics, serious illness, terrorism, divorce, relationship issues, domestic violence, rape, suicide, financial issues, job losses, and so on) that can leave individuals with psychological and emotional symptoms like guilt, shock, confusion, anxiety, fear, moods swings and in some cases experience Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Trauma symptoms typically last from a few days to a few months fading as you process the unsettling event. Recovering from trauma takes time with many individuals and communities healing at their own pace.

​

An additional trajectory in the aftermath of trauma is Posttraumatic Growth, a term that can be defined as the positive psychological changes experienced as a result of the struggle with traumatic or highly challenging life circumstances. Posttraumatic growth is not simply a return to baseline it is an experience of tremendous improvement and growth, one that is deeply profound. This phenomenon of personal growth, resulting from a struggle with major life crises is universal and reported around the world. There is strong evidence that people and communities can dramatically shift in positive ways post-trauma. People who experience posttraumatic growth often see positive changes in the following dimensions – personal strength, relating to others, new possibilities, appreciation of life, the body, and spiritual and existential changes.