Building Resilience in Difficult Times

With everything that we’ve gone through as a society in recent years—the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, increased violence in the world, and more—let alone what we’ve had to deal with in our personal lives, it can be hard to cope. But taking steps to adapt can greatly benefit our mental health and overall well-being. Below are some tips on how to build resilience in difficult times.

Focus on the Positives

It’s human nature to concentrate on the negatives—after all, doing so helped our ancestors avoid danger and survive. But when you’re faced with difficult times, it’s important that you try to find the silver lining. For example, if you lose your job, notice the opportunity to find an even better position.

Accept What You Cannot Change

Oftentimes, we find ourselves in difficult circumstances that are beyond our control. When that happens, it’s important to work towards accepting reality and identify what you have the power to change. For instance, if a loved one receives a troubling diagnosis, rather than imagining the worst possible outcomes, shift to considering what you can do to make the treatment process easier for them. This might include driving your loved one to appointments, running errands for them, or offering a listening ear.

Rely on Your Friends & Family

If you tend to stick your head in the sand whenever times get tough, you’re not alone. But this habit can cause you to feel isolated, compounding any difficulties you’re already experiencing. So, reach out to friends and family members. You don’t have to discuss the issues you’re currently dealing with, spending time with important others—either in person or by phone—may leave you feeling better overall.

Take the Next Step Toward Overcoming Adversity

If you’re going through a difficult time in your life and would like to work on building your resilience, contact us today. We’ll be happy to schedule a therapy session at a time that’s convenient for you.