Nobody longs to experience pain or suffering. Human instinct pushes us to avoid traumatic experiences at all costs. It is in our nature to seek comfort and safety. But pain and heartache are universal. Many who experience trauma find a new resilience, and with the proper support can experience a renewed sense of self. Those same people are also often able to walk with others going through similar experiences much more gracefully and with greater empathy.

Finding a trauma-informed therapist is the first step toward healing after trauma, but there will come a time when you need to take the next step toward healing as you establish community and relationships with other people. Studies have shown that when people find a supportive network of family and friends, they are more likely to recover from traumatic experiences.

Some people experience trauma to a much greater degree than others, and while we may pity those who suffer, a good deal of research has shown that those who walk through a traumatic experience, and who learn to deal with and process their trauma in a healthy manner, have long-term positive results.