If you’ve survived these 7 life challenges, you’re far stronger than you realize according to psychology

Life can feel like a relentless rollercoaster, can’t it?

One moment, you’re cruising along, and the next, everything seems to spiral out of control.

Heartbreak, losing a job, health scares, money troubles—it can all hit you at once, leaving you questioning how you’ll ever get through it.

I’ve been there.

A few years ago, I was facing more than one of these challenges at the same time.

I felt broken, like the weight of it all was too much to carry.

I wondered if I was strong enough to handle it.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure I could.

But as I started exploring psychology and self-discovery, something clicked.

I realized surviving these struggles didn’t mean I was weak or failing—it meant I was stronger than I ever imagined.

In this article, I want to share with you 7 life challenges that, according to psychology, prove your strength when you make it through them.

Because if you’re here reading this, you’re stronger than you might think.

1. Overcoming loss

Loss is one of the hardest things we have to deal with in life, whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or losing a job.

When I faced loss, I felt as if I was free falling, with no ground beneath me.

It seemed as if the world had stopped spinning and nothing made sense anymore.

But as I started to process my grief, something shifted.

I realized that surviving such a devastating blow didn’t make me weak; it made me strong.

The world of psychology backs this up.

Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship; it’s about learning to cope with it.

And each time you survive loss, you’re actually building that resilience.

You’re proving to yourself that you can face the worst life throws at you and still carry on.

If you’ve experienced loss and come out the other side, give yourself some credit.

It takes an incredible amount of strength to pull yourself through the pain and keep going.

2. Tackling financial hardship

Nothing quite prepares you for the stress and anxiety of financial trouble.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

A few years back, I found myself buried under a mountain of debt.

I could barely sleep, my mind constantly whirring with worries about bills, rent, and how to put food on the table.

But in that struggle, I discovered an inner resilience I never knew I had.

Instead of letting the situation overwhelm me, I tackled it head-on.

I budgeted, cut down on unnecessary expenses, and even picked up extra work.

Getting through that period was tough, but it taught me something invaluable: financial hardship doesn’t define you; it’s how you respond to it that matters.

Research supports this, indicating that individuals who actively manage their financial challenges through budgeting and seeking additional income sources tend to develop greater resilience and well-being.

Famous psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”

This quote resonated with me during my financial struggle.

I realized that it wasn’t about reaching a state of financial security but about learning from the process of overcoming adversity.

3. Navigating health scares

We often take our health for granted until something shakes us to our core.

I learned this the hard way when I was diagnosed with a health condition that required surgery.

Suddenly, I was thrown into a whirlwind of doctor appointments, tests, and the looming fear of the unknown.

Every day was a struggle, filled with anxiety and uncertainty.

But as I navigated through this scary time, I also discovered a new side of myself.

I found strength in vulnerability, courage in fear, and resilience in uncertainty.

I learned to take care of my mental health while dealing with physical health issues.

I found the grace to ask for help when I needed it and the willpower to keep going even when things looked bleak.

Psychology tells us that facing a health scare can be a transformative experience.

It forces us to confront our mortality, which can lead to profound personal growth and increased appreciation for life.

4. Surviving trauma

Trauma can be a life-altering experience, and I speak from personal experience.

A few years ago, I was involved in a car accident that left me with not just physical injuries, but also emotional scars.

I found myself battling nightmares, flashbacks, and a constant state of fear.

It felt as though I was stuck in that moment of trauma, unable to move forward.

But as I started working through my traumatic experience with therapy and support from loved ones, I began to see a glimmer of hope.

Slowly but surely, I started to reclaim my life.

A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that individuals who had experienced trauma showed increased psychological resilience and post-traumatic growth.

The researchers noted that these individuals often develop a greater appreciation for life, closer relationships, and a stronger sense of personal strength.

This study resonated with my own experience.

Surviving trauma didn’t make me weak; it made me stronger.

If you’ve survived trauma and are working through the aftermath, remember: you are not alone, and you are stronger than you realize.

Your experience has shaped you into a resilient individual capable of overcoming even the most challenging obstacles.

5. Managing chronic illness

Living with a chronic illness can feel like a never-ending battle.

Suddenly, you’re not just dealing with the everyday challenges of life, but also managing symptoms, medication, and regular doctor visits.

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with a chronic condition that significantly changed my lifestyle.

It felt as if my life had been split into ‘before’ and ‘after’.

But in the midst of this challenging time, I found unexpected resilience.

I learned to adapt and find joy in the small victories, like a good day with minimal symptoms or finding a new treatment that worked.

Living with a chronic illness has taught me patience, empathy, and resilience in ways I could never have imagined.

It’s shown me that strength isn’t just about physical ability; it’s also about mental and emotional resilience.

6. Enduring rejection

Rejection can sting, whether it’s a job you didn’t get, a friendship that ended, or a romantic relationship that didn’t work out.

I vividly remember my first major rejection.

It was a job I had set my heart on.

When I received the email stating they had chosen someone else, I was crushed.

As I dealt with the disappointment, I remembered a quote from psychologist Abraham Maslow: “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”

So, instead of retreating into my shell, I chose to see this rejection as a stepping stone.

I worked on my skills, sought feedback, and eventually landed a job that was an even better fit for me.

Rejection taught me resilience and the ability to bounce back.

It showed me that sometimes what feels like a setback is actually setting you up for something better.

If you’ve weathered the storm of rejection and come out stronger on the other side, remember: you’re far more resilient than you give yourself credit for.

Each rejection is an opportunity for growth and makes you stronger than before.

7. Embracing solitude

Now, this one might surprise you.

We often associate strength with the ability to face adversity, but what about the ability to be alone?

A few years ago, I went through a period of solitude.

No romantic partner, very few social engagements. Initially, it was daunting. I felt lonely and isolated.

But as the days turned into weeks, I began to see a change.

I started enjoying my own company.

I found peace in solitude and discovered that being alone didn’t necessarily mean being lonely.

In fact, studies have shown that periods of solitude can lead to increased self-awareness, creativity, and even improved relationships.

Embracing solitude taught me self-reliance and the importance of being comfortable with myself.

It showed me that sometimes strength means being able to sit with your thoughts and emotions without distraction.

Here’s a practical tip: Take some time each week for solitude. Whether it’s a solo walk in nature or an evening spent reading a book, these moments can help cultivate resilience and self-understanding.

Conclusion

Life’s challenges can be tough, but they also provide an opportunity for growth and resilience.

If you’ve survived any of the seven challenges mentioned in this article, give yourself a pat on the back.

You’re far stronger than you realize.

Remember, strength isn’t just about overcoming adversity, it’s also about growing from it.

Each challenge you face is an opportunity to learn, develop resilience, and become a stronger version of yourself.

Here’s some final advice: Take some time each day to reflect on your journey.

Acknowledge the challenges you’ve overcome and the strength you’ve shown.

This simple act of recognition can boost your self-esteem and remind you of your inherent resilience.

You’ve got this!