Resilience Articles

Medically reviewed by Julie A. Dodson, MA, LCSW

Human beings can bounce back from most circumstances. When we get knocked down, we often get back up even stronger than we were before. This is usually referred to as resilience. When people face obstacles or traumatic experiences, being resilient can be a significant advantage, allowing them to keep moving forward despite their circumstances. Resilience is usually not innate; rather, it’s a skill that anyone can learn and strengthen. Continue reading to learn more about the power of resilience, how you can harness it, and how it’s a skill that can enhance your mental health. For help cultivating resilience, consider working with a licensed therapist in person or online.

What is resilience? 

Resilience can be defined as a psychological skill that helps people cope with trauma or crisis-level situations. 

Those who are resilient frequently use unique cognitive processes to protect themselves from harm. When these individuals experience setbacks, they’re usually able to tap into their strengths and pick themselves back up.

Life is often out of our control, and we tend to be at the mercy of our environment. As much as we might try to prevent it, bad things can happen to good people. While you may not be able to control what happens to you, you do tend to have a choice in how you respond to hardships. 

People who are resilient may respond to the negative consequences of life with grit and determination. They’ve generally learned how to cope with obstacles in a healthy way and understand that while life may not always be fair, it can get better with time.

Rolling with the punches

Resilience generally makes it possible for us to endure hardships and keep going. If you face a setback like losing your job, experiencing grief when a family member passes away, or getting divorced, part of your recovery may involve finding ways to get up and move each day to adjust to your new normal. Rolling with the punches can mean continuing to get up and push forward each time life takes a swing at you and refusing to give up.  

Mental health and resilience

Positive mental health tends to be strongly correlated with high levels of resilience. Those who possess this skill are usually more likely to ward off conditions like anxiety and depression as they’re often able to look on the bright side and cope with setbacks in healthy ways. 

Resilience can also be built over time, which may explain why some of the most resilient individuals may be those living with mental health disorders. These conditions can make it difficult to function from day to day and may impact a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Finding support and treatment can help people with mental health disorders manage their symptoms and remind them that they can still live full and productive lives. 

Overcoming one’s symptoms and leading a happy, healthy life may help people feel more confident in their abilities. Resilience typically breeds resilience, meaning that the more obstacles someone can overcome, the easier time they may have in the future when faced with setbacks. Of course, some challenges (like trauma) may be more difficult to move past, and it can be natural to need extra support from time to time.

How to become more resilient

Whether you’re already resilient or are seeking to adopt this vital skill, it can be possible to learn how to become mentally, emotionally, and psychologically stronger. Self-care can be a crucial aspect of resilience. It can be essential to look after yourself by putting on your metaphorical oxygen mask before helping others. If you’re unable to care for yourself, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to adequately assist other people. 

Identifying any unproductive thoughts can also be helpful. Remind yourself that life can and usually does get better with time. Everyone may go through difficult seasons in their lives, but you can use these experiences to learn and keep going. 

Having a solid support network of loved ones, such as family members or friends, can help you be more resilient. These individuals can remind you that you’re not alone and give you a shoulder to lean on in times of need. Knowing that you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself can be incredibly comforting. 

Finally, reaching out to a professional can be instrumental in building resilience. A therapist can help you process your past experiences and teach you how to develop an inner sense of strength and determination.

Benefits of online therapy

Resilience can be an important life skill to have. If you’re struggling to make it through a difficult time, help is available. An online therapist, like those at BetterHelp, can work with you to improve your coping skills and increase your levels of self-efficacy. Online therapy is often preferable for those with busy schedules, childcare responsibilities, or those who live in rural areas. Because online therapy can be accessed from anywhere at any time, it may be a convenient option to consider.

Effectiveness of online therapy

Researchers have found that online and face-to-face therapy can be equally efficacious in teaching skills like resilience. In one study, they discovered no significant difference in the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy and face-to-face therapy. Participants in both groups generally experienced notable increases in their resilience levels, as well as considerable improvements to their mental well-being.

Takeaway

Without resilience, it can be challenging to face and work through life’s various difficulties. However, this is a skill that you can improve upon. You might consider reading through the articles in this section to learn more about becoming a stronger, more equipped individual. In addition, you may connect with an online therapist through BetterHelp. In any case, learning how to be more resilient can help you throughout different stages of life and give you the willpower to keep moving forward.