Psychological resilience is the quality that allows us to adapt and overcome stresses and trauma, even when those adverse events are severe.[1] Resilience isn’t a fixed trait. Rather, it’s a set of behaviors, attitudes, actions, and beliefs that shape how well people respond to adversity. Although people differ in their degrees of resilience, it can be learned and improved upon.

To be psychologically resilient is to have the ability to adapt in positive ways to harsh circumstances. This doesn’t mean becoming resigned to one’s fate. It isn’t fatalism and it’s not blind optimism. Instead, resilience is realistic while geared toward making one’s life better.

There are several components of resilience that we can reinforce.

Develop Healthy Thinking Habits

How we react to situations has a tremendous impact on resilience. We may have no control over the circumstances we face, but we can choose our reactions. Dwelling on the negative or constantly replaying distressing events from the past won’t help. To maintain a positive outlook, try imagining your situation the way you want it to be, instead of scaring yourself by imagining the worst outcomes. This helps identify steps you can take to change your situation.

Notice if you have any patterns of all-or-none thinking or catastrophizing. All-or-none thinking insists that everything has to be wonderful all the time. It prevents us from making small, incremental steps toward our goals. Catastrophizing takes small setbacks and blows them out of proportion, leading to feelings of discouragement. Identifying these flaws in our thinking can help eliminate mental roadblocks to resilience.

Strengthen Your Relationships

Feeling alone and isolated during hard times makes things so much worse. Try to connect with trustworthy and compassionate people who will help support you emotionally. Loneliness is a proven cause of physiological stress no matter its circumstances and can have serious negative effects on a person’s health.[2]

Practice Self-Care for Good Health

It’s easy to neglect your health when you’re dealing with adversity, but make it a point to eat a nutritious diet, engage in regular exercise, and get enough sleep. Sure, that’s all easier said than done, but all too often people don’t take good care of themselves. Treating yourself well isn’t an indulgence; it’s essential for survival.

Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.

 

 

[1] https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience

[2] https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks