The prevalence of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, is on the rise in Nepal and worldwide.
Mental well-being has drawn significant attention in recent years. Even national dailies in Nepal now feature weekly special columns on mental health, something that did not exist a decade ago.
Human resilience, once regarded as a hallmark of strength and adaptability, is facing unprecedented challenges in the modern world. Symptoms have emerged louder than ever in recent years. Flickering attention spans and visible signs of restlessness are growing in the classroom setting, while emotional outbursts over trivial matters and an inability to accept personality differences are increasingly seen in relationships. Many young people tend to settle in their comfort zones and avoid challenges. Since resilience is the foundation of strong character and mental well-being, it is important to understand the root causes and ways to overcome this decline.
Mental well-being has drawn significant attention in recent years. Even national dailies in Nepal now feature weekly special columns on mental health, something that did not exist a decade ago. The prevalence of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, is on the rise in Nepal and worldwide. These conditions can impair individuals’ ability to cope with stress and adversity, further contributing to the decline of resilience in society.
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Rising challenges to resilience
In an era dominated by technology, there is a growing reliance on convenience and instant gratification. This reliance has diminished our ability to adapt and overcome discomfort or delayed gratification. Social media platforms provide a space for comparing oneself with others, leaving youngsters (and even grown-ups) not knowing who they really are anymore. Individuals constantly measure their worth against curated images of perfection and, in due time, lose their originality. This constant comparison tarnishes self-esteem as individuals struggle to maintain unrealistic standards.
Modern parenting trends often prioritize sheltering children from adversity, aiming to provide a comfortable and stress-free environment. This well-intentioned approach hinders the development of resilience, as individuals lack the opportunity to build coping mechanisms in the face of challenges. Once the foundation of resilience is lost in the family, building a stronger foundation later in life becomes even more difficult. One should never forget that there is an inherent pearl of resilience in the struggles and hardships valiantly faced in childhood. Additionally, unresolved childhood traumas and psychological wounds, though seemingly trivial to parents and family, can reappear as giant storms later in life, leaving individuals psychologically weak in emotion and resilience.
Consequences
A decline in resilience limits individuals’ ability to adapt to change. This can hinder personal growth and professional success in an increasingly dynamic and competitive world. Resilience plays a crucial role in fostering healthy relationships, enabling individuals to navigate conflicts and setbacks effectively. A decline in resilience can strain interpersonal dynamics, leading to increased conflict and breakdowns in communication. Low resilience is closely linked to poor mental health outcomes, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression. This not only impacts individual well-being but also places a strain on healthcare systems and society as a whole. Moreover, a decline in collective resilience leaves societies vulnerable to crises and disruptions. Whether facing natural disasters, economic downturns, or global pandemics, resilient communities are better equipped to withstand and recover from adversity.
Building resilience at home and school
Strengthening Early Attachments: The concept of attachment theory focuses on the importance of early relationships in shaping resilience. Secure attachments with parents during childhood provide a foundation of emotional security and support, facilitating the development of resilience. Conversely, insecure attachments or early experiences of trauma can compromise resilience. In modern times, changes in family structures, increased parental workloads, and digital distractions have significantly impacted the quality of parent-child relationships, potentially affecting individuals’ resilience levels. When this attachment is replaced with a gadget that provides immediate gratification to a crying baby, the baby tends to develop the same attachment later in life.
Secure attachment relationships in childhood are associated with better emotional regulation and resilience later in life. If this is missed in childhood, individuals may seek unhealthy attachments later. Parents can promote secure attachment by being responsive to their children’s needs, providing consistent emotional support, and fostering a sense of safety and trust. Studies have identified that emotion-coaching parenting styles, characterized by empathy, validation, and problem-solving, are associated with higher levels of resilience in children. Parents can practice emotion coaching by helping children identify and regulate their emotions, teaching coping skills, and offering support during times of stress or adversity.
Fostering a Sense of Belonging: Social support, both within the family and from external sources, is a protective factor for resilience. Families can strengthen their support networks by maintaining close relationships with extended family members and neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness. Especially in a country like Nepal, where family rituals and festivals are meant to build bonds among family members, families can make the best out of such opportunities by using cultural and traditional platforms to strengthen resilience. It is also important to nurture a growth mindset, which involves believing in one’s ability to learn and grow through challenges. Parents can cultivate a growth mindset in their children by praising effort and persistence, providing constructive feedback, and reframing setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
Education for Holistic Growth: Studies have emphasized that not only families but also schools play a vital role in nurturing resilience within the school environment for students’ holistic well-being. The first and foremost step is to cultivate supportive student-teacher relationships. Through involvement in extracurricular pursuits such as team sports or clubs, students encounter diverse challenges that contribute to building resilience. By offering intellectually stimulating tasks or projects, educators create avenues for growth and learning from setbacks, avoiding the pitfalls of unhealthy competition. The fight should be at the top of oneself, not of the class. Such an environment prioritizes individual progress over peer comparisons and cultivates a culture of self-improvement. Better mental health is a spontaneous outcome in such an environment. Research highlights the significance of establishing a school culture that fosters a growth mindset, prioritizing perseverance and effort.
It’s not the luxury and glamor that shape students, but rather a well-defined learning environment with skilled mentoring and appropriate facilities to unleash their talents. Ultimately, what benefits growing students is not exposing them to more distractions but minimizing these distractions while also teaching them the skills to handle them. Such an upbringing paves the way for better resilience throughout life.
