Everyone experiences unpleasant emotional knocks during life, some will be minor while others could have a significant negative effect. Emotional resilience relates to how well a person can maintain their equanimity and escape from negative stressful emotions and experiences when faced with life’s challenges. That is, emotional resilience can be viewed as a shield providing protection from the consequences of negative stressful experiences.
As a person gets older, a certain amount of emotional resilience is likely to develop naturally, but this may not afford sufficient protection from significant stress when faced with a major negative event. It is useful therefore, to explore ways by which resilience can be cultivated in advance of any potential crisis. There is no magic in this. All that is needed is an understanding of the factors that encourage and facilitate the maintenance of good mental health, - and then act upon these. These guidelines will not only build emotional resilience but will secure mental and physical health when stressful events occur.
Drawing by Charlie Mackesy from https://www.facebook.com/Charliemackesyart
I refer to the introduction to this blog on well-being, in which the factors and actions understood to support good mental health (and hence emotional resilience) are presented. These important components contributing towards good mental health, together with some associated actions, are as follows:
EMOTIONAL: Maintain a positive outlook; talk to others; allow yourself to laugh or cry; practise breathing techniques; effectively manage stress (see chapter on “Stress”).
ENVIRONMENTAL: Surround yourself in your home with whatever brings you joy; look after a pet; grow plants.
INTELLECTUAL: Be creative; learn a new skill or hobby; read a book; plan and set goals.
OCCUPATIONAL: Set boundaries; learn to say No; take a break during the working day.
PHYSICAL: Care for your physical health, including nutrition; maintain a regular, quality sleeping pattern; exercise regularly; dance.
SOCIAL: Make time for friends and family; stay connected; join a support group; volunteer.
SPIRITUAL: Practise mindfulness; appreciate nature and the outdoors; sing; listen to music; learn to forgive yourself and others.
A relevant selection of suggested actions from each of these components should lead to a state of emotional resilience, as well as to good mental health. Maintaining a commitment to keep these important aspects and actions within your life, is the key to continued good mental health into the future.
Useful Websites
www.mentalhealth.org.uk
www.mind.org.uk
www.rethink.org
www.sane.org.uk
www.youngminds.org.uk
www.nhs.uk/conditions
www.nhs.uk/live-well/
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk