When faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, some of us might crumble, while others rise to the challenge, emerging not only unscathed but stronger than ever. Movies and Documentaries like Society of the Snow, 147 Hours, and The Dawn Wall each showcase extraordinary human perseverance in the face of daunting adversity. These stories are not just about survival; they're about human resilience—an intricate dance between our ability to overcome and adapt in the face of extreme challenges.
Resilience is the capacity to adapt positively in the face of adversity. Think of it as the mental "bounce back" we use to navigate through tough situations. Originally, resilience was believed to be an innate trait—something you either had or you didn’t. However, modern research has debunked this myth, revealing that resilience is far more common than we realise and, importantly, it’s something anyone can cultivate.
How do we do that?
Well let's first understand the interplay between resilience and adversity.
When we break down resilience, we find various factors involved that either help or hinder the development of resilience. These are …
Protective Factors - assets that cushion us from the full impact of stressors. They can include self-esteem, community support, problem-solving skills, humour, and more. For instance, a supportive mentor or a close-knit group of friends can serve as crucial protective factors, buffering the emotional toll of a challenging situation.
Risk Factors - influences that can intensify the impact of adversity. When risk factors are high and protective factors are low, the overall stress and difficulty of a situation can increase.
Protective factors, like strong support systems and good problem-solving skills, help us handle stress better and can offset the negative effects of risk factors, such as financial problems or family issues. Even if someone faces serious challenges, having strong protective factors can make a big difference. For example, a person with a chronic illness who has a supportive network and problem-solving skills might cope more effectively than someone who lacks that support.
Response to Previous Challenges is also a key component in resilience. Just as a vaccine primes the body to fight off future infections, our experiences and learnings with smaller less stressful disruptions can prepare us to handle more significant challenges. This concept given by Rutter is akin to "inoculation," suggests that resilience is built through the gradual accumulation of experiences where we confront and manage stressors.
Now depending on what we learn in our environment we find different ways of navigating the risk factors and using the protective factors. We might cope adaptively by addressing the problem directly, seeking solutions, and using protective factors effectively e.g. problem solving, having difficult conversations, reaching out for support, making changes to our lifestyle etc. We might also cope maladaptively through avoidance, substance use, emotional withdrawal, procrastinating, excessive spending, blaming circumstances and giving up altogether. Maladaptive responses while they help with coping they also are short-term fixes that don't address the underlying issue
It is helpful to reflect on whether the way you cope with situations enhances your ability to handle future disruptions or is a temporary solution.
Richardson talks about different ways of responding to adversity and gives us the concept of Resilient Reintegration.
Resilient Reintegration involves using the disruption as an opportunity for growth through reflection, and development of resilient qualities. It involves building resilience through thoughtful examination of your current situation and ways of coping. It is about accepting the challenge and evaluating what we need to cultivate to deal with in a way that is helpful for us. It is a mindful approach to developing resilience.
So how do we use this information to build resilience in ourselves?
We can start the process of learning from our experience and introspection.
How have I dealt with difficult situations before and what has been my learning from it?
Has what I learnt helped me to grow as a person and been beneficial to my life?
What sources of support and strength do I currently have in my life?
What are the main stressors or risk factors affecting my life right now?
How can I address or manage these risk factors more effectively?
Are there resources or support systems I can tap into?
When I face challenges, how do I usually respond? Are my responses helping or hindering my progress?
What practical solutions can I explore to tackle current problems directly?
What lessons can I learn from these smaller difficulties to strengthen my ability to cope?
The stories of individuals overcoming challenging odds remind us that resilience is not a static trait but a dynamic process of adaptation and growth. Disruption, though uncomfortable, is essential for developing the qualities needed to navigate life's complexities. By stepping outside our comfort zones and confronting challenges head-on, we not only survive but emerge stronger and better equipped for future obstacles.
Disruptions are not just hurdles but springboards to becoming a stronger, more resilient YOU!
