Find positive meaning: We want a meaningful life which can bring us inner peace during difficult and stressful times. Search for positive meaning in the crisis or challenging situation you have experienced.
Learn about yourself: Think about the stressful experience. What you did to deal with it? What have your learned about coping and about yourself? Pay attention to what worked well, and what you would like to improve.
Look for personal growth: Our struggles with problems and adversity often give us positive growth. Look for changes such as renewed appreciation for life, closer relationships, deeper spirituality, and a greater perception of inner strength.
Additional Resources
For more information about developing resilience, go to www.apa.org/helpcenter and www.liveyourlifewell.org.
Our 24 page .pdf slide show is available here: Resilience FACTS.
If you want to talk to someone about fostering resilience in times of disaster, call American Red Cross Disaster Mental Health at 701-364-1800.
This information provided by Red River Resilience (March, 2010).
