Resilience and mental health in times of Covid-19
October 10th is World Mental Health Day, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy mind. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our focus has been on protecting our physical health, and all the circumstances surrounding this epidemic have taken a toll on our mental well-being. Having to live differently—with social distancing, fear of infection, and a diminished quality of life, to name just a few factors—can leave us unsure of how to react. However, those who have developed resilience know that these moments of crisis will not last forever and that their future depends on how they respond.
Resilience is the human capacity to adapt to and overcome adverse, traumatic, and threatening situations that push us to our unexpected limits. Once we become aware of the experience, it's necessary to cultivate creativity, be flexible in the face of change, and view the future with a positive perspective. Protecting ourselves from the virus is caring for our physical health; developing resilience is caring for our mental health. Every experience, even an adverse one, serves as a learning opportunity and can become a chance to continue growing, to generate change in our lives, and to maintain good mental health.
Ramona Ávila Núñez, PhD.