Lesson 9: Building Resilience and Grit
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Please note that this course is designed solely for informational and motivational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice.
Workshop Scenario
Please think of yourself in the following scenario as you complete this workshop.
"Hi! Welcome again to the 24/7 Teach mental health and wellness workshop!"..."Before we start, imagine yourself in the following scenario:
Imagine you are working at a company. Working at this company has been both rewarding and challenging for you. The working environment is very fast-paced but you finished all of your projects and assignments on time despite that. But later you noticed something off with you. You suddenly started skipping deadlines and company meetings. You started to forget even minor things. When your colleague saw it, he invited you for a coffee outside the office and suggested that you take off from work and spend some time with yourself to look over your mental health.
Now, you joined this workshop to learn more about mental health and wellness to keep yourself updated about common mental health issues and the ways to avoid these.
In the previous lesson, you learned about anxiety and depression, and their effects on our mental health, and also learned some of the strategies to deal with anxiety and depression. In this lesson, You will understand the concepts of resilience and grit and will learn strategies to enhance personal resilience and grit that will benefit your mental health and well-being.
Your objective for today is:
Participants will learn about different strategies to build resilience and grit to maintain good mental health.
Important Questions to Consider While Reading:
In order to be successful in this lesson, you must be able to answer these important questions.
What is the concept of resilience and grit?
What is the difference between ways of resilient and non-resilient people to deal with mental health conditions?
2.1) Concept of resilience and grit
Resilience and grit are two closely related concepts that both concern your ability to overcome challenges, setbacks, and adversity in pursuit of long-term goals. While they share similarities, they encompass slightly different aspects of psychological strength and perseverance.
Resilience is crucial for maintaining good mental health. If you are a resilient person you will be better equipped to cope with stress, trauma, and life's challenges. You will possess a greater ability to regulate your emotions, adapt to change, and bounce back from setbacks. When faced with difficult circumstances or mental health issues, you are more likely to seek support, utilize healthy coping strategies, and recover more effectively. Resilience acts as a protective factor against the development of mental health disorders and contributes to overall psychological well-being.
Grit is closely linked to well-being because it encompasses qualities such as passion, perseverance, and goal-directedness. When you have a clear sense of purpose and work persistently toward your goals, you often experience a greater sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, and happiness. Grit helps individuals stay committed to their long-term aspirations, even when faced with setbacks or slow progress. By cultivating grit, you are more likely to experience a sense of accomplishment and personal growth, leading to improved well-being.
2.2) Difference between ways to deal with mental health conditions of a resilient and non-resilient person
How a non-resilient person and a resilient person deal with mental health conditions can differ significantly. Here are some key distinctions:
Coping with Challenges: A non-resilient person may struggle to cope with mental health conditions. They might feel overwhelmed by challenges, become easily discouraged, and have difficulty bouncing back from setbacks. In contrast, a resilient person is more likely to exhibit effective coping strategies. They can better regulate their emotions, maintain a positive outlook, and seek out appropriate support systems. Resilient individuals are more inclined to view challenges as opportunities for growth and find adaptive ways to navigate their mental health conditions.
Perseverance and Treatment Adherence: Non-resilient individuals may find it challenging to persist with treatment or self-care routines when faced with mental health conditions. They might give up easily or become discouraged by slow progress. Resilient individuals, on the other hand, exhibit greater perseverance. They are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, engage in therapeutic interventions, and actively participate in self-care activities. Resilient individuals understand that managing mental health conditions requires sustained effort and are willing to persist in their treatment journey.
Self-Efficacy and Problem-Solving: Non-resilient individuals may have low self-efficacy and struggle with problem-solving skills. They may feel helpless or overwhelmed by their mental health conditions and have difficulty identifying effective solutions. Resilient individuals, however, have a stronger sense of self-efficacy. They believe in their ability to overcome challenges and actively engage in problem-solving. Resilient individuals are more likely to seek information, explore different options, and adapt their strategies when faced with obstacles related to their mental health.
Outlook and Recovery: Non-resilient individuals may have a pessimistic outlook on their mental health conditions and recovery prospects. They may focus on the negatives and perceive setbacks as permanent and insurmountable. Resilient individuals, in contrast, exhibit a more optimistic outlook. They maintain hope, believe in their ability to recover, and view setbacks as temporary hurdles. Resilient individuals are better able to reframe their experiences, learn from setbacks, and adjust their approach, which contributes to their overall recovery and well-being.
It is important to note that resilience is not an innate trait but can be developed and strengthened through various strategies, such as building a support network, practicing self-care, seeking professional help, and cultivating positive thinking patterns.
2.3) Strategies to build resilience for good mental health and well being
Building resilience to effectively deal with mental health conditions involves a combination of strategies and practices. Here are some steps you can take:
Challenge Negative Thinking: Negative thinking patterns can exacerbate mental health conditions. Practice cognitive reframing by challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with more balanced and realistic ones. Engage in positive affirmations, focus on your strengths, and celebrate small achievements. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you identify and modify negative thinking patterns with the assistance of a therapist.
Set Realistic Goals: Break down large goals into smaller, achievable steps. This approach prevents overwhelming feelings and allows you to track your progress. Celebrate even the smallest victories, as they contribute to building resilience and motivation.
Practice Problem-Solving: Enhance your problem-solving skills by breaking down challenges into manageable components. Identify potential solutions and consider the pros and cons of each. Seek advice from trusted individuals or professionals. Embrace flexibility and adapt your strategies as needed. Problem-solving skills empower you to tackle difficulties and take proactive steps toward managing your mental health.
Foster Optimism: Cultivate an optimistic mindset by focusing on positive aspects of your life. Practice gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating the good things, no matter how small. Engage in activities that uplift your mood and cultivate hope. Surround yourself with positive influences, whether it's supportive friends, inspiring books, or uplifting media.
Take Breaks and Practice Self-Compassion: Recognize when you need a break and prioritize self-care without guilt. Allow yourself time to rest and recharge. Practice self-compassion by being kind to yourself and understanding that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges.
Remember, building resilience is an ongoing process. It takes time, patience, and self-reflection. Allow yourself space for growth and seek professional guidance when needed. Through consistent effort and a holistic approach, you can develop resilience to effectively navigate and manage your mental health condition.
Closing Assessment:
Select the Assessment button below to answer the following questions:
Building resilience often involves facing and addressing past traumas or difficult experiences. How can individuals work through these challenges and use them as catalysts for personal growth and resilience?
What are some self-care activities that can be effective in promoting mental well-being and building resilience? Provide at least three examples.
Discussion Question:
1. Please answer the following question in the comment section below and interact with learners from around the world.
Assess the effectiveness of your problem-solving skills in addressing challenges related to your mental health. How well do you evaluate options, generate creative solutions, and take action? Provide examples of problem-solving situations and their outcomes.
Resilience often involves adapting to change. Share an example of a time when you had to adapt your mindset or approach to better cope with a mental health challenge. What lessons did you learn from that experience?
2. Please read and reply to other learners’ answers in the forum. Your replies should offer new substantiated ideas or thoughtful questions.
or try a prompt below!
