On October 4th, Dr. Taku presented at Maryland’s 35th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference. During her presentation, entitled “PTG Applications in Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention,” she spoke about post traumatic growth (PTG) as a protective factor against suicidal ideation. She mentioned many important ways that PTG can reduce suicidal thoughts and intentions. More specifically, she noted that PTG can increase personal strength by shaking boundaries which people often find themselves trapped in, allowing them to ask important questions about themselves and their lives. Additionally, she highlighted that with PTG comes new possibilities and the ability to relate to people with similar experiences on a deeper level. Importantly, she also posited that PTG can lead to a greater appreciation for life and spiritual growth. For all of these reasons, Dr. Taku concluded that PTG can be utilized to lower the risk of suicidal ideation and help people become more aware of how trauma can eventually lead to positive outcomes. Despite grappling with the negative aspects that come from trauma, there is room for improvement and adjustment, and those moments of change are worth seeing through.
In addition to speaking about PTG and its relation to suicide prevention in her informative presentation, Dr. Taku also introduced an important question: Why do we need to know about PTG? PTG is a phenomenon that occurs when individuals who have experienced trauma at first struggle with the negative aspects of trauma, and then, via ruminations or other processes, strive to make positive changes in their life. Whether it be by self improvement, relating to family and friends more deeply, spiritual growth, greater appreciation for life itself or acknowledging the possibilities available, individuals are no longer victims but survivors paving their own path. For the purpose of this talk, Dr. Taku looked at PTG through the lens of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. However, she also noted that PTG has a variety of applications when it comes to mental health. More specifically, she mentioned how being aware of PTG can help individuals who experience anxiety live with their symptoms even if they are not reduced. As Dr. Taku clearly demonstrated in her presentation, there are a myriad of benefits to knowing what PTG is and how it can be applied.
FF-TIP LAB 