What is Resilience?
When I presented on grief in October 2024, I reviewed several components of assets that individuals can leverage to survive difficult circumstances, using their inner strengths and resources. The topic focused on “Cultivating Inner Strength: Understanding and Building Resilience.” Let’s further explore how resilience works, as it is a helpful asset for those who have endured trauma and loss.
Life inevitably presents us with challenges, from navigating complex relationships to processing the deep wounds of trauma and grief. In the face of adversity, we often hear about "resilience," which could be considered the ability to bounce back. But what if resilience isn't just about bouncing back, but about tapping into an inherent capacity within us, one that can be strengthened and grown?
Our work in therapy, particularly when addressing trauma and healing, highlights that resilience appears to be an innate quality, present within each individual. It's not something you either have or you don't; rather, it's a potential that can be nurtured. This perspective shifts our focus from deficits to assets. By identifying and building upon the unique strengths, skills, and resources an individual possesses - their inherent assets - we can actively engage in capacity building. This process of developing skills and enhancing our internal and external resources naturally leads to improved well-being and better outcomes when facing difficult circumstances.
The American Psychological Association defines resilience as the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences. This adaptation occurs especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands. Numerous factors contribute to how well people adapt to adversities, including the ways in which individuals view and engage with the world, the availability and quality of social resources, and the specific coping strategies they employ. Importantly, psychological research demonstrates that the resources and skills associated with resilience are not fixed; they can be cultivated and practiced over time.
When navigating the profound experience of grief, fostering resilience is key to healing. As Dr. Arielle Schwartz notes, "The better you are at adapting, the better your recovery will be." Several strategies can support this process. Turning towards the supportive presence of a caring community offers an invaluable connection and understanding. Listening to others who are also grieving can be profoundly helpful, allowing us to learn from their feelings and coping methods. Recognizing the importance of pacing your process allows you to navigate through painful and overwhelming feelings without becoming completely overwhelmed. Through these practices, you can gradually find strength and courage once again. Ultimately, fostering resilience means staying open to life, even while acknowledging that loss and painful events are a part of the human experience.
Focusing on your inherent assets and actively engaging in capacity building are powerful steps in cultivating resilience. It's about recognizing the strength you already possess and learning how to utilize and enhance it to navigate life's inevitable challenges and move towards healing.
You have an inherent capacity for resilience. If you're ready to actively build upon your assets and develop the skills to face challenges with greater strength and flexibility, therapy can provide the support and tools you need. Don't wait to invest in your well-being. Reach out today to learn how therapy can empower your journey.
