Resiliency
What Is Emotional Resiliency? It is the ability to "bounce back" and cope effectively in face of difficulties that might otherwise lead to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, physical symptoms, poor self-esteem, and so forth.
Emotionally resilient individuals have better tools needed to cope with life's stressors. They also are more likely to be socially and academically successful, and have less risk of developing mental illness and behavior disorders. Resilient individuals typically have strong problem-solving skills, healthy expectations, goal attaining skills, and a healthy level of positive activities. On the other hand, individuals who have not developed healthy emotional resilience often tend to have the setbacks of life develop into huge challenges, and they may develop mental health problems in response to these challenges.
Can Resiliency Be Learned? There are many factors that appear to contribute to the development of emotional resiliency. One of the most important factors, and the one we have the most control over, is the way we think about our challenges, and the behaviors and activities we engage in as a response to these challenges. ORP's Strong Start, Strong Kids and Strong Teens curricula are designed to promote emotional resiliency and social competence, and to prevent many of the problems that result from maladaptive ways of dealing with life's challenges.
