According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, 2012) the prevalence of traumatic stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are on the rise, both through direct and vicarious means. It is estimated currently that between 52-67% of Americans will experience traumatic or repeated traumatic events in their lifetime.
While not all of them will develop symptoms related to acute traumatic stress or develop PTSD, the number of individuals who will seem to be increasing (NIMH, 2012). The impact of PTSD and related symptoms for the individual, their loved ones, and the community at large can be physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially devastating for everyone involved. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the potential for utilizing mindfulness practices to promote or stimulate post-traumatic growth (PTG) and decrease and/or mitigate the prevalence of PTSD in individuals who find themselves experiencing repeated traumatic events or suffering from traumatic stress due to insufficient coping skills.