Times of hardship call for us to be strong, flexible and durable. If you are lucky enough to never experience any sort of adversity, you may not know how resilient you are. As such, being resilient is largely determined by the way your life unfolds. But the good news is that the skills can be learned and developed. Resilient people tend to be aware of situations as well as their own emotional reactions and the behavior of those around them. By remaining aware, you can maintain control of a situation and/or your reaction to it and think of new ways to problem solve. Another characteristic of resilience is the understanding that life is full of challenges. They are to be expected and offer an opportunity to learn. Some people are more likely to give up when the going gets tough while others persevere, gain confidence and grow stronger. Seeking help from others and working with others can also be key. Hopefully, because of our collaboration and efforts, we will grow and come out on the other side of this pandemic more capable and aware. Please reach out to us or to someone else you trust if you need advice, help and support. There is no need to struggle alone.

Psychologists have identified some of the factors that appear to make a person more resilient, such as a positive attitude, optimism, the ability to regulate emotions, and the ability to see failure as a form of helpful feedback. Healthy habits –getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising- can reduce stress and boost resilience. Nurturing close relationships and living according to one’s values also have been linked to higher resilience.

Any crisis, such as the coronavirus pandemic, can test resilience. Looking to loved ones for help and emotional support, increasing self-care, and focusing on the aspects of the situation that are under your control can help you weather almost any storm. -Psychology Today

Each week we will focus on supports for a specific age group. This week our focus is on the high school years. Here are a few ideas to help support this group both socially and emotionally.