Traumatic experiences can change life in an instant. Whether it's a car crash, losing a loved one, or sexual abuse, these sorts of incidents can scar a person for life, but not without coming from it with a changed perspective and a tougher skin.

Giving meaning to the old saying, "What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger," new researches done by Mark D. Seery of the University at Buffalo found that going through a traumatic event in life can help a person in the long run.

Previous psychological research shows that having miserable life experiences is bad for a person, and that the best way to go through life is not to encounter one. But according to Seery, going through life unscathed is unrealistic and is not healthy.

In one of Seery's studies, he and his colleagues found that people who had experienced many traumatic life events were more distressed in general; however, people who did not go through those sort of events also had similar problems. But ultimately, based on research, people with the best outcomes were those who had experienced some negative events.

In another study of his studies, researchers found that people with chronic back pain were able to handle it better if they had experienced some serious adversity, compared to those who went through none at all were more impaired.

The author explained that one possibility for this pattern is that people who have been through difficult experiences have had a chance to develop their ability to cope. Revolving around the idea that negative life experiences can toughen people, scarring events can equip people enabling them to handle subsequent difficulties better.

Another possibility is that people who get through bad events may have tested out their social network, learning how to get help when they need it.

Seery pointed out that negative events have negative effects, but there's a silver lining that doesn't make those who go through such events doomed to be damaged from that point on.

What Are Traumatic Events?

As mentioned earlier, traumatic events can come in different forms. But what can qualify as a traumatic event in life? According to HelpGuide.org, there are several factors in an event that can turn it into an emotionally or psychologically traumatic event.

These factors are if it happened unexpectedly; if it happened to a person who was unprepared; an event wherein a person felt powerless to prevent it; if it happened repeatedly; if it happened in childhood; and if it was done out of cruelty.

But not everyone can be strong enough to handle whatever it is that comes in their lives. With that said, it is important to know when a person should seek help for emotional or psychological trauma.

Tell-tale signs when a person should seek aid are when they are having trouble functioning at home or at work; are suffering from severe fear, anxiety, or depression; are unable to form close, satisfying relationships; are experiencing terrifying memories and nightmares; are avoiding things that remind them of trauma; emotionally numb and disconnected from others; and when use alcohol or drugs to feel better.