5 Powerful Ways Tragedy Can Actually Transform You, According To Psychology
Tragedy can often shatter the illusions we hold.
Roberto Hund | Canva Experiencing tragedy is painful, yet those who endure it often emerge stronger and gain a deeper understanding of true happiness. Suffering is part of life; tragedy and adversity help us grow. "It is at times of tragedy that we get forced into coping and pushing through, and regardless of what shape you are in on the other side of the tragedy, you can learn from the fact that the world did not stop spinning and you are still moving forward," says Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist, professor of psychology, and author.
Tragedy and adversity also provide an opportunity to reframe your life. "I am a big believer that we are often imprisoned by our expectations, scripts, and the illusions that often keep us prisoners to lives that are less than inauthentic," Dr. Durvasula continues. Tragedy can often shatter the illusions we hold, encouraging us to be bolder and more creative. Loss shows us how little control we actually have, making it easier to take risks. Although these experiences are challenging, they also remind us that our suffering can help us grow stronger and more resilient as individuals.
Here are 5 powerful ways tragedy can actually transform you, according to psychology:
1. You realize you’re stronger than you thought
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We become more resilient by gradually overcoming obstacles and tragic events in our lives, and then applying the lessons learned to other areas of our lives.
Ben Michaelis, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and mental health expert, says, "It is only through this experience of getting over a tragedy or overcoming a specific obstacle that we develop the self-confidence and faith we need in order to be resilient."
"In fact, he continues, "a study in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that exposure to adverse experiences may foster mental resilience and may make people less affected by recent adverse events. This goes to show that, in moderation, whatever does not kill us may indeed make us stronger."
2. You stop running from hard things
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"In our pain-avoiding culture, there's a common perception that the most psychologically and spiritually healthy are those who avoid crises. But in reality, the opposite is true," says Rev. Dr. Fred Howard, an emergency room physician, ordained minister, and author of "Transforming Faith."
"Those who are mentally and emotionally healthy meet crises head-on and resolve them, and therefore avoid the misery of chronic anxiety."
People are only tested in their strength when they are met with adversity or crisis. This is when our true selves come out. Are you calm and collected, or do you fall apart at the first sign of trouble? Experiencing tragedy can actually help you become the former.
Research consistently shows that confronting problems directly, instead of avoiding or denying them, leads to several benefits, including increased resilience, improved problem-solving skills, and enhanced self-awareness. By facing challenges head-on, individuals can develop a stronger sense of self, learn to manage difficult emotions and gain valuable insights for future situations.
3. You take more meaningful risks
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Many people don't take the risks necessary to truly accomplish something great in their lives, all because they don't know if they can manage failure.
Corporate psychologist Dave Popple, Ph. D., says, "Because failure on a larger scale is an unknown experience, people who have not experienced it tend to catastrophize it. However, those who have lived through tragedy know that they have the coping skills to manage catastrophe."
According to Popple, this knowledge allows them to take the risks necessary to do and become something great. "It is a common saying in our business that 90% of great leaders experienced a tragedy in their adolescence and early adulthood, and the other 10% are wildly optimistic," he adds.
Popple kept a tally of how many of the executives he assessed experienced tragedy at an early age, and found that 72 out of 86 had: "Of those I failed to recommend or recommended with reservation only 30 of the 62 had."
4. You start responding instead of reacting
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Life's traumas happen to everyone — death, accidents, illness, and economic losses. Preventing traumas from becoming tragedies requires us to focus not on events, but on our response to those events.
"Blaming, anger, withdrawal, and assuming a helpless posture aren't usually the best ways to deal with tragic events," Howard says.
"Strength is demonstrated by giving yourself and others the time and space to work through traumas, and facilitating the re-framing of the trauma in ways that benefit overall health and well-being."
Studies show that contemplating tragedy, especially in art or literature, can enhance empathy, promote self-reflection, and improve emotional well-being. Experiencing mixed emotions, including sadness and positivity, can lead to a more meaningful and powerful experience.
5. You rethink what really matters and take ownership of it
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Taking proper responsibility for events is difficult but essential to proper functioning. The burden of any tragedy must be shared.
"When blame is placed squarely on one person or group, this leads to all manner of dysfunction and often perpetuates tragic theater within relationships," adds Howard.
Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyle writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly.
