Resilience in a Time of War

As I discussed a previous blog, we certainly live in uncertain times, and the world seems more chaotic than ever before. Some would argue that things are no more difficult than they’ve ever been in the world or no more uncertain. It may be that media coverage is just more intense and more in our face each day than it ever has been. I say that, in part, because I know that most people, when surveyed, assume that the crime rate in this country is worse than it has been in past years. The reality is, it isn’t. Actually, people are much safer now in large cities and in most areas of the country than they were in the seventies. The perception, however, given the media coverage that is out there is that things are worse than they were.

So what can we do in these times to maintain our own resilience and to encourage and develop the resilience of our children?

We have talked about a number of these in previous blogs. The first is to make connections with others, to keep in touch with family and friends and those who matter in our lives.

A second “tip” for maintaining our resilience is to take care of ourselves, to remain social, to not isolate, and to do the things, such as exercise, diet and rest, that maintain our bodies and our minds.

The third is to give ourselves a “news break,” meaning that we stop listening to some of the coverage, we stop reading some of the blogs, we stop talking about the news incessantly with our friends, whether we are e-mailing back and forth or texting. It’s okay to turn off the television or the radio or the telephone and allow yourself to focus on other things.

Number four, be prepared. Have a plan, an emergency plan in place that you can use in a crisis. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will give you the things that should be in a plan and also will give you the information about how to prepare an emergency kit. The emergency kit should include the basics, such as food, water, medicines, etc., but also things that give you comfort and security, such as a journal or pictures of loved ones, etc.

And last of all, keep things in perspective. “This, too, will pass.” Few events will ever have a pervasive effect upon your life and touch and affect every aspect of it. And don’t blame yourself or others. You can hold yourself accountable and others accountable for their actions or misdeeds, but don’t get caught up in the blame game. Remain an optimist, even in the face of the horrendous events that may be occurring around you. There are positive things in everyone’s life. Take time to identify and appreciate them. Keep a hopeful outlook.

The American Psychological Association has developed a number of brochures and other resources that are available free of charge from the American Psychological Association at apa.org/helpcenter.

Dr. Ron Breazeale