RESILIENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH

Why do some people bounce back from life's challenges while others struggle? In this resource, we'll dive into the link between resilience and mental health and share some practical tips to help you build resilience.

Resilience is the ability to deal with life’s problems. Resilient individuals are optimistic, determined, and can effectively problem-solve, which helps them “bounce back” from setbacks.

The relationship between mental health and resilience has been well documented, showing that resilient individuals display fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. Resilience protects us from stress’s harmful effects, which in turn reduces our likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression.

Resilience also correlates positively with variables like subjective well-being, meaning that more resilient individuals tend to be happier and more satisfied with life.

So, how can you improve your resilience? Making lifestyle changes, such as developing new interests and hobbies, can help distract you from stressors and refresh your mind, preventing burnout. Interestingly, engaging in artistic activities can enhance self-confidence and self-esteem, qualities associated with mental health and resilience.

Practising mindfulness can increase resilience and improve overall mental well-being. Mindfulness meditation interventions involve being aware of your current state, such as taking a mindful walk, which focuses on the sensations of standing and balancing. This practice helps distract you from stress by keeping you engaged in the present moment.

Resilience isn't built overnight; it's a continuous process of growth and adaptation. For more information on practical resilience-building strategies, visit Mind HK’s website. Remember, every small step toward resilience is a step towards a healthier, more balanced life.

References:

American Psychological Association. (2014). Resilience. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience

Anyan, F., & Hjemdal, O. (2016). Adolescent stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression: Resilience explains and differentiates the relationships. Journal of Affective Disorders, 203(203), 213–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2016.05.031

Galante, J., Dufour, G., Vainre, M., Wagner, A. P., Stochl, J., Benton, A., Lathia, N., Howarth, E., & Jones, P. B. (2018). A mindfulness-based intervention to increase resilience to stress in university students (the Mindful Student Study): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Public Health, 3(2), 72–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2468-2667(17)30231-1

MindHK. (2021). How Can I Be More Resilient? Mind HK. https://www.mind.org.hk/mental-health-a-to-z/stress/becoming-more-emotionally-resilient/

Skrove, M., Romundstad, P., & Indredavik, M. S. (2012). Resilience, lifestyle and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescence: the Young-HUNT study. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 48(3), 407–416. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-012-0561-2

Tomyn, A. J., & Weinberg, M. K. (2016). Resilience and Subjective Wellbeing: A Psychometric Evaluation in Young Australian Adults. Australian Psychologist, 53(1), 68–76. https://doi.org/10.1111/ap.12251

Zarobe, L., & Bungay, H. (2017). The role of arts activities in developing resilience and mental wellbeing in children and young people a rapid review of the literature. Perspectives in Public Health, 137(6), 337–347. https://doi.org/10.1177/1757913917712283