Citizens Memorial Hospital | Vitality | Winter 2018

MENTAL HEALTH 7 steps for building resiliency TRY NOT TO VIEW CRISES AS INSURMOUNTABLE PROBLEMS. Bad things are going to happen. But you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Instead of feeling stuck in the present, look forward to see how circumstances might be better. Bouncing back in the face of adversity. It’s something all of us would like to be able to do. Whether it’s as simple as your team coming back to win after an unexpected loss or as complicated as surviving a bad illness, bouncing back is healthy. It’s a sign that you are able to adapt—be resilient—in good times and bad, and it’s a sign of good mental health. Being resilient doesn’t mean smiling through tragedy. People who are resilient can still become upset—even grief-stricken. But they don’t become mired in anger or grief. They recover and move on. According to the American Psychological Association, resilience isn’t something you’re born with. It’s a learned response. Which means it’s something you can develop. Here are seven things you might try to help develop a more bounce-back attitude in your life: ACCEPT THAT CHANGE IS PART OF LIFE. Adverse situations may occur that put certain goals you had on hold or out of reach. For example, you may not get the promotion you thought you deserved. Rather than focus on your disappointment, consider how you might alter your plans. Can you work harder or smarter and then ask for the promotion again? Or would it be best to look for another job? Resilience isn’ t something you’re born with. It ’s a learned response. CONNECT WITH OTHERS. Having good, supportive relationships with family, friends and others may be the No. 1 factor in building resilience. Relationships that create love and trust and that offer encouragement and reassurance help strengthen resilience. 8 VITALITY Winter 2018