Resilience - The Art of Dealing with Life's Big Challenges

Almost everyone experiences a major trauma at some point in their lives. The death of a loved one, domestic violence, a serious car accident, a debilitating illness, a natural disaster or war. These events turn our lives upside down in unexpected ways. While some experience chronic stress for years due to the adversity experienced, others withdraw into themselves and become moody, angry and depressed. On the other hand, many people who are considered psychologically resilient manage to overcome the difficulties they face and live meaningful lives. What sets these people apart from others? Is psychological resilience innate or learned? Is the reaction to a difficult event determined more by personal characteristics or environmental factors? How and to what extent do strong social bonds affect the level of psychological resilience? Is overcoming and recovering from trauma a choice? Can adversity be seen as a means of growth and gaining wisdom? What does it mean to take responsibility for oneself and how does it help a person overcome great adversity? What is the contribution of optimism and flexibility to psychological resilience? What role does physical fitness play in coping with adversity? Is it possible to increase psychological resilience by training emotions? In Resilience: Coping with Life's Big Challenges, Steven M. Southwick and Dennis S. Charney, two leading experts in the field of post-traumatic stress disorder and psychological resilience, provide an in-depth analysis of the subject from genetic, psychological, biological, social, and spiritual perspectives. It is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to learn the intricacies of standing firm in the face of shock and increasing their emotional, mental, and physical resilience.