Change is a constant part of life, from the expected milestones like graduations and career shifts to the unexpected such as loss or societal upheavals. However, while change is inevitable, how we respond to it can vary significantly from person to person. These responses, which can be characterized as either resilient or resistant, have profound implications for mental health. Which are you?
What is Resilience?
Resilience refers to the capacity to adapt and recover in the face of stress, adversity, trauma, or significant change. Individuals who exhibit resilience during such upheaval tend to view change as a part of life. They can even see change as an opportunity for growth. They may or may not avoid the emotional turbulence that comes with these challenges. However, even when faced with emotional turbulence they navigate it with a mindset that promotes recovery and well-being.
Key traits of resilience include:
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust one’s mindset and behavior to meet the demands of new circumstances.
- Emotional regulation: An ability to manage emotions in a way that allows for constructive problem-solving.
- Optimism: A hopeful attitude that helps individuals see opportunities even in challenging situations.
Resistance to Change
On the other hand, resistance to change is often rooted in fear and uncertainty. People who are resistant to change tend to cling to familiar patterns and routines. They do so even when those patterns and routines no longer serve them. Resistance doesn’t mean a person is incapable of adapting; rather, it suggests that they find the prospect of change overwhelming or threatening.
Common reasons for resistance include:
- Fear of the unknown: Uncertainty about the future can trigger anxiety, making change feel risky or dangerous.
- Loss of control: Change often involves giving up some degree of control, which can lead to feelings of vulnerability.
- Emotional attachments: People may resist change because they are emotionally invested in the way things have been.
How Resistance and Resilience Affect Mental Health
The way we handle change—either with resilience or resistance—has a direct impact on our mental health. When resistance becomes our dominant response to change, it can lead to a variety of mental health challenges.
- Anxiety and Stress: Resistance often involves anticipating negative outcomes or focusing on potential losses. This mindset can increase anxiety and chronic stress. When a person feels overwhelmed by change, they may experience persistent worry, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating.
- Depression: Resisting change over time can lead to feelings of helplessness or being “stuck.” This can contribute to depression, as individuals may struggle with a sense of failure or a loss of meaning and purpose.
- Burnout: In the workplace, resisting change can result in burnout. People may feel burdened by adapting to new processes or expectations and may become disengaged or exhausted by the effort required to navigate those changes.
The Role of Resilience in Mental Health
Conversely, resilience acts as a protective factor for mental health. It does not prevent stress, anxiety, or sadness, but it allows individuals to recover more quickly and maintain their mental health during difficult times. Resilient people tend to:
- Experience fewer mental health difficulties: They are more likely to seek out coping strategies that promote emotional well-being.
- Develop a growth mindset: Resilience is often linked to a belief that challenges can lead to personal growth and development, reducing the likelihood of long-term mental health issues.
- Build stronger relationships: Resilient people often lean on their support systems, which helps protect against feelings of isolation or loneliness.
Cultivating Resilience
While some people seem naturally more resilient, resilience is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. There are strategies that can help you develop greater resiliency. They include:
- Focus on what you can control: Feeling powerless fuels resistance. Identifying aspects of the situation that you can control—even small ones—can foster a sense of agency.
- Stay connected: Social support is crucial for building resilience. Whether it’s friends, family, or professional support, sharing your concerns with others can help ease the burden of change.
- Practice self-compassion: Change can be difficult, and it’s important to be kind to yourself. Self-compassion can help prevent feelings of guilt or shame that often accompany resistance.
- Mindfulness and stress management: Practices like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and exercise can reduce the mental and physical toll that resistance takes, allowing for a more adaptable mindset.
- Shift your perspective: Try to see change as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than a threat. This mindset shift can make the process of adaptation feel less overwhelming.
Choosing Resilience Over Resistance
Both resilience and resistance are natural responses to change. However, one promotes growth and well-being, while the other can lead to mental health challenges. Developing resilience doesn’t mean avoiding discomfort or hardship. It means learning to face challenges with a mindset that promotes adaptation and recovery. By embracing change as part of life’s journey, we can protect our mental health and cultivate a stronger sense of purpose and fulfillment in the face of uncertainty.
In the end, the question isn’t whether change will happen, but whether we will meet it with resilience or resistance—and that choice can shape not only our mental health but our entire experience of life.
The Mind Body Connection
Remember that keeping your spine and nervous system healthy through lifestyle chiropractic care minimizes stress, anxiety, and depression. This reduces physical tension and improves sleep as well. All of these things contribute to your ability to maintain a strong degree of resilience. And, by getting that release of endorphins that are triggered by chiropractic adjustments, you’ll feel good and be better able to handle whatever stressors come your way.
Looking to develop a more resilient outlook? Make an appointment with your 100 Year Lifestyle provider today!
Pro Tip: Not all resistance to change is negative—sometimes it signals a need to slow down and reassess. However, if resistance becomes chronic and begins to interfere with daily life or mental health, it may be time to seek help.
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