Sunny's incessant introspection makes even severe traumas seem like petty grievances.
Epidemiological studies have found that in the majority of people, even those exposed to even the most severe traumas, acute symptoms of stress subside within three months.
"We found that many individuals with artistic creativity suffered from severe traumas in life, whether it be psychological or physical abuse, neglect, hostility or rejection," Keri said.
Elicia Brand, 36, said the role her Bernese mountain dog played in her life changed drastically after Ms. Brand suffered severe traumas — being trapped on a subway during the 9/11 attack and being raped the next year.
Medical workers from Doctors Without Borders, which had 800 people in Haiti before the quake, said they were mobbed everywhere they went by people who had suffered severe traumas and crushed limbs, and by others begging for help in rescuing trapped relatives.
Finding purpose in life may also be protective, as was found in at-risk adults who had been exposed to a range of severe traumas such as sexual or physical assault or assault with a weapon (Alim et al. 2008).
