Building Resilience: Why It Matters and How to Strengthen It

What Is Resilience?

Resilience is the ability to effectively navigate and adapt to difficult or challenging life experiences by demonstrating mental, emotional, and behavioural flexibility in response to both internal and external demands (APA, 2018).

Why Do We Need It?

Resilience is an important trait because it helps us cope with unexpected challenges and hardships that arise in life. It allows us to remain optimistic and hopeful, even in the face of adversity. Resilience empowers us to keep moving forward when things get tough and fosters emotional strength and perseverance.

Resilience and Mental Health

Resilience can act as a protective factor against mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It supports individuals in navigating risk factors like trauma or bullying, which can increase vulnerability to these conditions. For those already living with a mental health condition, building resilience can promote healthier coping strategies and improve overall well- being (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

Strategies for Building Resilience

According to the American Psychological Association (APA, 2020), building resilience involves:

  • Building strong, supportive relationships.

  • Taking care of your body.

  • Practicing mindfulness and gratitude.

  • Finding purpose and taking action.

  • Reframing your thinking.

Here at Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy we have numerous psychotherapist that can

help build resilience. Booking link here:

References

https://dictionary.apa.org/resilience_gl=1*whc7p*_gcl_au*MTMzNjg0NTU3NS4xNzUyMTUzOTM3*_ga*MTIzNDU0MDg1Mi4xNzM2MTc5Njc3*_ga_SZXLGDJGNB*czE3NTIxNTM5MzckbzI4JGcwJHQxNzUyMTUzOTQyJGo1NSRsMCRoMA..

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/resilience-training/in-depth/resilience/art-20046311

https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/building-your-resilience

Vaughan Counselling and Psychotherapy