Resilience is our ability to adapt to difficult situations, recover, and move on, even when life doesn’t go back to what it was before. Resilience is not about holding it all together nor about facing adversity alone, but about recognizing our strengths, learning from difficult experiences and seeking support when we need it.

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Being resilient allows us to take care of our mental and emotional health. When we have the tools necessary to cope with stress, loss, or uncertainty, we are more likely to be able to protect our well-being and reduce the negative effects of adversity. Lack of resilience, especially when combined with constant stress or isolation, can negatively impact our mental health and contribute to conditions such as depression and anxiety.

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It’s important to recognize that adversity is complex, even for individuals who are resilient. But resilience is not about eliminating pain or difficulties as these are inevitable, however, it does give us the resources we need to get through them. After adversity, life may not return to what it was before, but it is possible to regain emotional stability, hope, and a sense of well-being.

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What influences our resilience?

Each person faces adversity differently. Our resilience can be influenced by a variety of factors:

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1. Biological factors: Genetics and brain development can influence how we respond to stress and intense emotions.
2. Emotional and psychological factors: Stress, fear, low self-esteem, and lack of motivation can weaken resilience and make it difficult to adapt to change.
3. Behavioral factors: Lack of rest, overwork, economic instability, or the absence of self-care routine can affect emotional well-being.
4. Social factors: Poverty, discrimination, unstable housing, and lack of support systems increases stress and limits access to help.

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Strengthening Resilience

Resilience is not a fixed quality: it can be learned and strengthened over time. We all have the capacity to develop it, especially when we have adequate support and resources. Some ways to strengthen resilience include:

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1. Caring for the body and mind: Keeping our bodies physically healthy by sleeping 7-8 hours each night, eating healthy, exercising, and maintaining proper hygiene.
2. Practicing self-care: Doing things that bring joy such as spending time with loved ones, reading, writing, creating art, going to the park – anything you enjoy doing. 
3. Strengthen support networks: Talking to family, friends, or anyone else we trust when we go through difficult times. Community connection is a key source of resilience.
4. Managing our emotions in healthy ways: Recognizing what we feel and looking for healthy ways to cope with stress, while avoiding harmful coping mechanisms. Sometimes, professional help is necessary and seeking it is a form of care. 
5. Trusting our abilities: Treat yourself with compassion, know your strengths, and learn to question negative thoughts that do not reflect your value or potential.
6. Set realistic goals: Having attainable goals and flexible plans gives us direction, purpose, and hope, even in uncertain situations.

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This flyer promotes resilience and seeks to support open, stigma-free conversations about emotional well-being in our communities. This flyer may be printed and adapted (such as including your own organization logo) for use in community or educational spaces or anywhere else you may see fit. 
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