Resilience

What resilience is

‘The ability of an (ecosystem) to return to its original state after being disturbed.’

The Collins Dictionary 

Characteristics of resilience:

• Adaptability: Resilient individuals demonstrate the ability to adapt to change and navigate challenging circumstances with flexibility.
• Optimism: Maintaining a positive outlook and having a hopeful attitude, even in the face of adversity, is a key trait of resilience.
• Problem-solving skills: Resilient individuals are adept at problem-solving and finding constructive solutions when confronted with challenges.
• Emotional regulation: Resilience involves the capacity to regulate and manage one’s emotions effectively, allowing for a balanced response to stressors.
• Self-confidence: Having confidence in one’s abilities and a belief in one’s capacity to overcome difficulties is a hallmark of resilience.
• Social support: Resilient individuals often have strong social networks and seek and provide support during tough times.
• Sense of purpose: A clear sense of purpose and meaning in life contributes to resilience, helping individuals navigate challenges with a sense of direction.
• Adversity as a learning opportunity: Resilient individuals view adversity as an opportunity for growth and learning rather than as an insurmountable obstacle.
• Coping strategies: Developing and using effective coping strategies, whether cognitive or behavioural, is integral to resilience.
• Healthy boundaries: Resilient individuals establish and maintain healthy boundaries, enabling them to protect their wellbeing while facing difficulties.

Not characteristics of resilience:

• Rigidity: Being inflexible and resistant to change can hinder resilience, as adaptability is a crucial component of recovering from challenges.
• Pessimism: A consistently negative and pessimistic mindset can undermine resilience by limiting one’s ability to see opportunities for growth.
• Avoidance of problems: Ignoring or avoiding problems rather than facing them directly can impede the development of resilience.
• Isolation: Isolating oneself from social support and not seeking help from others can diminish resilience in the face of adversity.
• Victim mentality: Adopting a victim mentality, where one feels powerless and attributes all challenges to external factors, though understandable, can hinder the development of resilience.
• Unhealthy coping mechanisms: Relying on harmful coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or avoidance rather than constructive strategies can be detrimental to resilience.
• Lack of self-reflection: Failing to engage in self-reflection and learn from experiences can impede the growth and development associated with resilience.
• Dependence on external validation: Seeking validation solely from external sources without cultivating internal self-worth can undermine resilience in the long run.

Triangle of Wellbeing and Resilience Model

Dr. Dan Siegel’s Triangle of Wellbeing and Resilience model offers a conceptual framework that illustrates the dynamic and interconnected nature of our mind, brain, and relationships. In this model, three key elements form the points of a triangle: mind, brain, and relationships. The arrows pointing in various directions signify the constant interaction and feedback loops between these elements, highlighting the continuous shaping of physical connections within the brain based on our thoughts and experiences.

The Elements of the Triangle of Wellbeing and Resilience Model

Mind

The ‘mind’ in this model refers to the subjective experience of our mental life, including thoughts, emotions, and consciousness. It encompasses our internal world of perceptions, beliefs, and self-awareness.

Brain

The ‘brain’ represents the physical organ responsible for processing information and generating thoughts and emotions. Dr. Siegel emphasises the concept of neuroplasticity, challenging the earlier belief that the brain’s structure is fixed after childhood. Neuroplasticity acknowledges the brain’s capacity to adapt, reorganise, and form new neural connections in response to experiences and learning throughout life.

Relationships

The third element, ‘relationships’ acknowledges the impact of social connections on our mental wellbeing and brain function. Our interactions with others shape our experiences, contributing to the ongoing development of neural pathways in the brain. Healthy relationships can provide support and resilience, influencing our overall mental health.

The interconnectedness between mind, brain, and relationships emphasises the bidirectional influence each element has on the others. 

This model challenges previous ideas that the brain’s structure is rigid and unchangeable, highlighting the transformative potential of experiences and relationships throughout the lifespan. The concept of neuroplasticity underscores the adaptability of the brain and its capacity for growth and change in response to various stimuli.

For example:

• Our thoughts and emotions (mind) can impact the structure and function of our brain through neuroplasticity.
• Our brain, in turn, influences our thoughts and emotions, shaping our perceptions and responses to the world.
• Relationships play a vital role in this dynamic system, as social interactions can significantly impact our mental wellbeing and contribute to the ongoing development of neural connections in the brain.

Consider me:

u003colu003ern tu003cliu003eHow resilient do you think you are?u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eWhich of the characteristics of resilience described above can you identify in yourself?u003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003e