An important goal
when addressing historical trauma is to move from the victim role to thriving. The
terms victim and survivor are often used interchangeably. There are vast differences
between the terms. The terms victim, survivor, and thriver feature distinctions as follows:
Victim:
State
of helplessness
Angry
Hoping
to be rescued
Perception
of lacking choices
Self-pity
Complacent
Identities
self as a victim
In
pain and feeling numb
Experiencing
feelings of defeat
Avoidance
of feelings
Controlled
by traumatic memories
Controlled
by depression, anxiety, hatred, bitterness, revenge, and physical complaints
Has
not learned from the experience, likely to repeat trauma occurrences, and
victimization
Feelings
of shame and self-dislike
Self-destructive
addictions
Survivor:
Beginning
to feel stronger
Perception
that there are resources and choices
Recognition
of personal potential to change and grow
Living
one day at a time; coping from day to day; present life is primary focus
Beginning
to heal
Living
moderately well
Suffering
begins to lessen
Neutral
about life; not depressed, but not happy
Realization
of traumatic experience(s) existing in the past.
Removed
ourselves from possible abusive situations
Thriver:
Committed
to positive growth
Planning
for the future with optimism
Active
Self-determined
Can
experience joy
Established
healthy self-esteem; and we see ourselves as valuable people
Reaching
out to others
Have
found meaning and purpose in life
Experience
positive growth as a result of the trauma.
Can
endure remaining anxiety based symptoms with relative comfort and/or acceptance
Guilty
feelings have been resolved
Generally
satisfied with life
Perception
that we have moved beyond the trauma and have learned valuable lessons
(Shiraldi, 2000).
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