Is There Anything 'Good' About Traumatic and/or Intense Life Experiences?

Yes.

Studies suggest posttraumatic growth can be a significant, positive outcome of surviving and even thriving following a traumatic event. Controversial in some quarters, at this juncture the data shows such life experiences may be character-building:

That which does not kill us makes us stronger. — Friedrich Nietzsche

In contrast to Nietzsche’s well-known quote, life-threatening experiences may lead to psychiatric conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Kessler, Sonnega, Bromet, Hughes, & Nelson, 1995). Furthermore, greater exposure is usually linked to more severe symptoms (Brewin, Andrews, & Valentine, 2000). Psychopathology nevertheless occurs only among a minority of those exposed to such events, leaving open the possibility of other outcomes, including benefits (Bonanno, 2004). Tedeschi and Calhoun (1995) identified the positive psychological changes that can occur following a potentially traumatic event as posttraumatic growth: improved relationships with others, openness to new possibilities, greater appreciation of life, enhanced personal strength, and spiritual development. ...

How are strengths of character related to growth following trauma? A retrospective Web-based study of 1,739 adults found small, but positive associations among the number of potentially traumatic events experienced and a number of cognitive and interpersonal character strengths. It was concluded that growth following trauma may entail the strengthening of character.

Source: "Strengths of character and posttraumatic growth," Journal of Traumatic Stress, Volume 21 Issue 2, Pages 214 - 217

A Dark Day at NIU with Pockets of Light

More lives dramatically changed by another base act of the type we've become all too familiar with over the past few years.

I'm sure most have by now heard about the events on the Northern Illinois University campus yesterday afternoon. I'm a student at NIU and was seated at a doorway, catching up on reading between classes, in a building immediately next to Cole, the building where the shooting took place. [I shared my experience in a post after returning home.]

Alongside so much mourning that we have before us, we have much to be proud of. I witnessed some really courageous, kind, insightful actions yesterday. I’m proud to be a Huskie, blessed to be a part of the NIU family. Yet even more importantly, I'm keeping those most directly faced with personal losses in my thoughts tonight and in the days and months ahead. We will persevere.

By Abraham Lincoln (who lost three sons during his lifetime):

"In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all...
It comes with bitterest agony...
Perfect relief is not possible, except with time."