Is Life Inherently Traumatic? Psychology of Suffering and Resilience

What happens when suffering feels like an unavoidable part of being human?

Many of us grow up believing that if we are struggling, something must be wrong with us. But suffering is not always a sign that we are failing – it can be an inherent part of the human experience.

In this AfterDark Talk Series session, we’ll explore the psychology of suffering and resilience, and what it means to move through difficult experiences without allowing them to define us. Together, we’ll look at why even “ordinary” life events can feel traumatic, how the nervous system interprets threat, and why some people struggle more than others.

Through a lens of compassion and curiosity, we’ll explore how meaning, resilience, and connection can transform the way we understand and respond to pain.

This is a space for reflection, curiosity, and honest conversation – without judgment.

Whether you’re navigating a difficult season, trying to understand your own experiences, supporting someone you care about, or simply curious about the psychology of suffering and resilience, you are welcome here.