Resilience is the ability to cope with adversity and bounce back from setbacks. It is a key factor in managing mental illness, as it helps individuals to cope with the challenges that come with their condition (American Psychological Association, 2020). Having resilience means having the ability to adapt and adjust to changes and difficulties in a healthy way, and to maintain a positive outlook and sense of purpose even in the face of adversity (Smith & Segal, 2022). This can be especially important for people with mental illness, who may experience stigma, discrimination, and other challenges related to their condition (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2021).
Developing resilience involves several key strategies, including:
- Building a strong support network: Having a supportive network of friends, family, or mental health professionals can help provide a sense of security and comfort during difficult times (Smith & Segal, 2022).
- Cultivating positive relationships: Surrounding oneself with positive and supportive relationships can help foster resilience and provide a sense of connection and purpose (Smith & Segal, 2022).
- Practicing self-care: Engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and mindfulness can help promote physical and mental well-being and reduce stress (Smith & Segal, 2022).
- Developing a growth mindset: Fostering a growth mindset, which means focusing on personal growth and learning from challenges and setbacks, can help build resilience and a sense of purpose (Resilience: A concept analysis, 2018).
- Seeking professional help: Seeking professional help from a mental health professional can be a valuable part of building resilience and managing mental illness (Resilience: A key to mental health, 2019).
While resilience is not a cure for mental illness, it can play an important role in managing symptoms, improving overall well-being, and promoting recovery (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2021).
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Understanding resilience. APA Help Center. https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/resilience
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2021). Resilience and mental illness. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Fact-Sheets/Resilience-and-Mental-Illness
- Resilience: A concept analysis. (2018). Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 15(3), 128-136. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12243
- Smith, M. C., & Segal, J. (2022). Building resilience. HelpGuide. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/building-resilience.htm
- Resilience: A key to mental health. (2019). Mental Health America. https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/resilience-key-mental-health