When it comes to trauma, what we believe about our experiences can profoundly influence how we recover. If we expect that trauma will leave us permanently damaged, that belief can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, affecting our mental health and relationships in lasting ways.
But understanding this dynamic offers us hope—because changing those beliefs can also change the trajectory of your healing.
Sebastian Junger’s insightful book, *Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging*, provides a powerful perspective on this topic. Junger explores why some people recover from trauma more successfully than others and what role community, purpose, and belonging play in that process. He argues that the modern, fragmented society we live in often worsens post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because it leaves people feeling isolated and disconnected.
In contrast, individuals who feel connected to a supportive “tribe” tend to recover more quickly and experience fewer long-term psychological effects.
One of the most encouraging ideas in Tribe is that our perceptions of trauma matter. Junger highlights that trauma doesn’t have to be a life sentence of suffering—it’s our response and the meaning we attach to it that make the difference.
This aligns closely with the research of Mardi Horowitz, a professor of psychiatry and a leading voice in trauma studies. Horowitz found that individuals who view themselves as “damaged” or “wronged” after a traumatic event are more likely to reinforce that identity in future interactions.
These self-perceptions can provoke reactions from others that confirm their beliefs, creating a cycle of negative experiences. However, breaking this cycle is entirely possible. By challenging distorted beliefs and reframing how we see ourselves, we can shift from a narrative of damage to one of resilience and growth.
Both Junger’s and Horowitz’s work offer a comforting truth: trauma does not have to define your life. The way forward is through connection, understanding, and rewriting the story you tell yourself about what you’ve been through.
If you or someone you know is struggling to make sense of trauma, Tribe is a helpful read. It offers a compelling reminder that we are not meant to heal in isolation. With the right support, you can ultimately recover.
Sometimes, healing begins with a simple shift in belief: you are capable of recovery, and you are not alone.
