There has been a lot written about resilience in recent years and how important it can be to our mental health. If ever there was a time we could all collectively experience and practice resilience, it is now! We bear witness each day of this pandemic to the extraordinary acts of courage by the people in our society that care for us. It is evident that distress, disease and pain cannot be avoided, we cannot live without risk, but we are also not totally powerless in these situations, because we have resilience to draw on.

We may fear that we do not have enough resilience and yet, due to the very fact we are still here, that we have endured, shows we are capable of resilience.

No one would argue that we need something as extraordinary as a pandemic to show us that, or indeed to learn how to be more resilient, this pandemic acts as a mirror to show us our resilience capability.

The good news is that more resilience is available to all of us. We can draw on our resources, of who we are, what we have and what we can do. Each one of us can make small steps in improving these areas to give us more resilience, to be able to face adversity with more confidence. We are not born with resilience, it is a learnt skill; shaped through relationships and experiences.

For the next three blogs I will be looking at how specifically that can be done. In the meantime here are a few resources to explore.

www.ppc.sas.upenn.edu

Flourish by Dr Martin Seligman

As kindness is the theme of Mental Health Awareness week, now seems a good time to revisit this quality.

We all know what kindness is, and how transformative it can feel to be on the receiving end of thoughtfulness, consideration, inclusion and care. When someone has time for us, has thought about what we need, or might appreciate, it builds relationships. We often respond to kindness from others with warmth and gratitude. We also feel touched by the kindness we see displayed, by truly caring professionals as well as our friends, neighbours, families and loved ones. This is a quality we try to hold right at the centre when counselling, it draws people in and makes them feel special.

Kindness is a superpower. It is by definition freely given. It improves both our mental and physical health.

Now, more than ever, we all need kindness. In uncertainty and troubles, a simple act of kindness can transform how we feel, and make us better able to face reality.

Kindness really is like magic; because it works well to either give or receive it. What act of kindness can you show yourself today? And what can you give to others, however small, in the spirit of kindness?

actionforhappiness.org

www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/52557800

Written by Alex Brook-Dobson

See our Resources page for more support and links.

Whilst our building is currently closed for face-to-face counselling until further notice, we are still offering sessions over the phone or through Zoom. Please note, however, that we have a reduced capacity at the moment. If you would like to refer yourself for counselling, please use the contact details at the bottom of the page.