Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) is different than resilience in that it refers to the difficulties people encounter when they experience a traumatic event that challenges their core beliefs, endure psychological struggle, and then ultimately have a sense of personal growth. Most people show Post Traumatic Growth naturally after encountering such serious challenges. However, when individuals cannot positively adapt to these difficult situations and emotions, or return to their normal functioning, psychologists can be very helpful.
Pandemic-related Distress
Because of the prolonged duration and world-wide impact of the pandemic, most people have been affected directly and/or indirectly. There is pervasive uncertainty and insecurity. Pandemic-related distress and/or possible growth is influenced by the complex dynamic relationships between factors both within the individual and interpersonally (socially and organizationally).
People have reported dramatic increases in stress, anxiety, depression, fear, loneliness, and discomfort due to the pandemic, which affected multiple areas of their lives – family, work, school, social and environment. Frequently an effect in one area, impacted the lives of individuals in other areas (for example, changes in the workplace influenced the ability or necessity to take care of family members). These changes affect individuals on various levels - emotionally, physically, socially, spiritually, and cognitively.
The impact on individuals, families, and society has been severe and is anticipated to have long-term effects. Children and adolescents have been especially affected and experienced higher rates of stress, anxiety, and fear. Social isolation, financial uncertainty and disrupted placed significant stress on children and their families. Many people have benefitted by working with psychologists in building and strengthening their coping strategies and resilience.
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