Information on coping with Anger, Bi-Polar,
Depression & other Mental Health issues
Depression & other Mental Health issues
The word "resilience" generally describes the ability of an object or substance to
resume its previous shape after being hit or damaged. In the context of mental
health, "resilience" refers to the capacity of people to succeed and thrive, despite
experiencing poverty, neglect and/or trauma. "Resilience" can apply to children,
youth and adults. Resilient people are able to succeed because they have
"protective factors" that help them survive the adversity.
Protective factors come from many things – they can be inherent qualities the
individual possesses, such as optimism, self confidence or a strong faith. Protective
factors can also come from outside, such as the support of loving family, special
friends or caring professionals.
Building Resiliency
There are many pathways to finding resiliency after a traumatic event or crisis, and
several methods overlap with recovery. Here are eight ways to make a good start:
1. Accept the trauma and its consequences
Regardless of what event, situation or crisis has occurred, the first step toward
building resilience is to accept the situation and deciding to move forward. Instead
of getting lost in the negative aspects of the ordeal, resilient people view problems
as challenges that can be solved, in a goal-directed structure.
2. Manage emotional and physical health
It's no secret that physical exercise can make both mind and body feel better.
Stressful situations can cause the body to tense up and raise blood pressure, heart
rate, and more. Physical exertion can relieve internal stressors and make the body
feel fit. Emotional health can be improved through positive imaging and using self-
help techniques such as positive thinking, to combat negative behavior patterns
and detrimental reactions. It is important to take charge of emotions, rather than
being controlled by them. Resilient people take care of themselves, physically,
emotionally and spiritually.
3. Become a problem-solver
Instead of labeling the hardships as hopeless, resilient people find ways to manage
them. It's impossible to have control over many things in life, so make positive
changes where it is possible – lifestyle, physical fitness, and meaningful
relationships. If the situation doesn't lend itself to change, resilient people look for
ways to find hope and meaning in their suffering.
4. Make and meet goals
Goals are an essential part of productive living. Setting goals provides a personal
interest to pursue and a way to map progress. Depending on the age and stage,
the goals can include education, job placement or family development. Even small,
incremental goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and hope.
5. Develop meaningful relationships
Resilient people don't let themselves become preoccupied with self-pity after a
traumatic event or crisis. They look outside themselves to their natural support
systems. Family, friends, community members and even pets can provide love and
hope. Also, self-help groups bring people together who have similar problems. Self-
help group members help themselves while helping others.
6. Focus on the positive
It's impossible to make the traumatic event go away, but each day can get a little
better. Resilient people find a reason to be optimistic and truly believe their lives will
improve. Optimistic people also tend to attract friends. In fact, research has shown
that optimistic people heal more quickly from diseases and maintain better
emotional self control.
7. Make personal choices
Resilient people are empowered to exercise their personal freedom of choice.
Voicing personal opinions, thoughts and choices is a step toward empowerment
and the individual path to resiliency.
8. Find happiness again
Resilient people take care of mental and physical health, are optimistic, and develop
and nurture meaningful relationships. Focusing on short- and long-term goals,
while maintaining day-to-day life, is a great way to keep future forward. Resilient
people have hope for the future and believe that happiness is possible.
resume its previous shape after being hit or damaged. In the context of mental
health, "resilience" refers to the capacity of people to succeed and thrive, despite
experiencing poverty, neglect and/or trauma. "Resilience" can apply to children,
youth and adults. Resilient people are able to succeed because they have
"protective factors" that help them survive the adversity.
Protective factors come from many things – they can be inherent qualities the
individual possesses, such as optimism, self confidence or a strong faith. Protective
factors can also come from outside, such as the support of loving family, special
friends or caring professionals.
Building Resiliency
There are many pathways to finding resiliency after a traumatic event or crisis, and
several methods overlap with recovery. Here are eight ways to make a good start:
1. Accept the trauma and its consequences
Regardless of what event, situation or crisis has occurred, the first step toward
building resilience is to accept the situation and deciding to move forward. Instead
of getting lost in the negative aspects of the ordeal, resilient people view problems
as challenges that can be solved, in a goal-directed structure.
2. Manage emotional and physical health
It's no secret that physical exercise can make both mind and body feel better.
Stressful situations can cause the body to tense up and raise blood pressure, heart
rate, and more. Physical exertion can relieve internal stressors and make the body
feel fit. Emotional health can be improved through positive imaging and using self-
help techniques such as positive thinking, to combat negative behavior patterns
and detrimental reactions. It is important to take charge of emotions, rather than
being controlled by them. Resilient people take care of themselves, physically,
emotionally and spiritually.
3. Become a problem-solver
Instead of labeling the hardships as hopeless, resilient people find ways to manage
them. It's impossible to have control over many things in life, so make positive
changes where it is possible – lifestyle, physical fitness, and meaningful
relationships. If the situation doesn't lend itself to change, resilient people look for
ways to find hope and meaning in their suffering.
4. Make and meet goals
Goals are an essential part of productive living. Setting goals provides a personal
interest to pursue and a way to map progress. Depending on the age and stage,
the goals can include education, job placement or family development. Even small,
incremental goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and hope.
5. Develop meaningful relationships
Resilient people don't let themselves become preoccupied with self-pity after a
traumatic event or crisis. They look outside themselves to their natural support
systems. Family, friends, community members and even pets can provide love and
hope. Also, self-help groups bring people together who have similar problems. Self-
help group members help themselves while helping others.
6. Focus on the positive
It's impossible to make the traumatic event go away, but each day can get a little
better. Resilient people find a reason to be optimistic and truly believe their lives will
improve. Optimistic people also tend to attract friends. In fact, research has shown
that optimistic people heal more quickly from diseases and maintain better
emotional self control.
7. Make personal choices
Resilient people are empowered to exercise their personal freedom of choice.
Voicing personal opinions, thoughts and choices is a step toward empowerment
and the individual path to resiliency.
8. Find happiness again
Resilient people take care of mental and physical health, are optimistic, and develop
and nurture meaningful relationships. Focusing on short- and long-term goals,
while maintaining day-to-day life, is a great way to keep future forward. Resilient
people have hope for the future and believe that happiness is possible.
What is Resiliency?
- Accept the trauma and its
consequences
- Manage emotional and physical
health
- Become a problem-solver
- Make and meet goals
- Develop meaningful relationships
- Focus on the positive
- Make personal choices
- Find happiness again
1. The 8 ways to build resilience are from the ValueOptions website.
Work 4 Resiliency
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