All of the coping strategies we described may seem small compared to what
may be required of you in a real tragedy. This might be the loss of a loved
one, witnessing a disaster, or being a victim of a crime. Any one of these
situations can affect someone for a long time. Many people turn to
counselors or religious leaders to help them cope and understand traumatic
situations. As time passes, many people are able to find a way to grow
stronger after a tragedy.
There is an important difference between a survivor and a victim:
successful survivors don't blame themselves for the acts of others
. They realize that they have to take charge of their lives after a loss or
injury. They often find a way to turn their loss into a personal mission
for personal improvement or to help others. In this way they can see their
losses not just as tragedies, but as events that lead them to grow stronger
and serve others. If you’ve been through a traumatic situation and feel
like you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to talk to someone like a counselor
or religious leader who can help you feel more like a survivor!