The coronavirus outbreak has significantly affected all people around the world. Thousands of individuals have lost their jobs as businesses have been forced to reduce their workforce and some temporarily or permanently closed their operations. Generally, economic growth declined dramatically. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak of COVID-19 can be stressful for vulnerable populations such as older adults, children, healthcare workers, front liners, and those with existing mental health issues. Unfortunately, we have all been affected physically, mentally, and financially. And all of these are just the consequences of the pandemic. How will we recover from these challenges, losses, and with this pandemic in general? Being resilient is one way to move forward and get through this pandemic.
As defined in the context of psychology, resilience is the person’s ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, challenges, threats, or significant sources of stress. Becoming resilient in this time of pandemic provides a clear and positive outlook in times of adverse situations, helps you grow and overcome these difficulties, gives you the emotional strength to deal with the problems, adapt to the situation, and finally move forward. There are four ways to build resilience:
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Positive Mindset - the way you think plays a huge role in how you feel and deal with your challenges in life. Training your mind to turn negative thoughts into positive ones will help you interpret the situation realistically and respond effectively.
Support System - Sharing your difficulties with someone you trust and someone who understands you is a reminder that you are not alone. Talking with them can also help you view a different perspective that will enable you to manage your difficulties better. The support system can be your friends, families, co-workers, or anyone with the same battles as you have.
Coping strategies - try to explore different coping strategies that best suit the situation you are going through because different coping strategies work differently for every individual. These coping skills can help you manage your emotions, feelings, and the situation in general.
Solution planning - Create a list of realistic solutions to your problems. The list will help you weigh your options in terms of effectiveness and utilize your strengths and all your resources. Creating a list of solutions to every problem is one step in moving forward towards growth.
Building resilience requires great time, effort, and dedication. It is not inborn nor inherent, but it can constantly be developed, enhanced, and improved through our experiences and the environment.
References:
Cherry, K. (2021). How Resilience Helps When Coping With Challenges. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-resilience-2795059
Hurley, K. (2020). What Is Resilience? Your Guide to Facing Life’s Challenges, Adversities, and Crises. Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/resilience/
World Health Organization. (2020). Impact of COVID-19 on people's livelihoods, their health, and our food systems. https://www.who.int/news/item/13-10-2020-impact-of-covid-19-on-people%27s-livelihoods-their-health-and-our-food-systems
American Psychological Association. (2012). Building your resilience. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience