Why do some individuals develop a post-traumatic condition and others do not?

• We do not have the complete answer.  However, we do know that there are certain features of the trauma and of the survivor which make it more likely that the individual will have difficulty in coping.
  
  
• There are also certain features which can lead to an abnormal grief reaction, which can be classified under three headings:
• features of the death
• features of the bereaved
• features of the relationship between the bereaved and the deceased
  
  
• It is therefore unhelpful as well as hurtful to dismiss those who have difficulty in coping after such events as "weak" or "silly". 
  
  
• It is also important to remember that most individuals do not develop a psychiatric condition after traumatic experiences, and we should not label perfectly normal reactions as "symptoms".
  
   
• Finally, we should note that there can be some positive outcomes after tragedy and suffering.