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As we come to the second stage of this pandemic situation wherein we are required to maintainthe restrictions imposed previously by the Health Authorities, as well as wear masks andsanitize our hands, the impact becomes all too real. How is this experience shaping us from apsychological point-of-view? The following are some points of reflection.

So much is uncertain at this point as we come to our 9th week of lockdown. The media issaturated with conflicting information as medical experts continue to battle the virus. Variousgovernmental bodies in different countries are experimenting with relaxing restrictivemeasures with little guidance as to the best-case scenario. People are itching to resume theirlives. Now, even more so than before, we need to practice emotional regulation.

Buzz words such as positive mindset, emotional intelligence and post-trauma growth arecirculating on social media. People are reaching out to psychologists and psychiatrists and othercarers as they need more assistance in their mental health. For once, mental health is beinggiven a spotlight on the stage for wellbeing.

What makes for mental resilience?

We know that resilience comes in the various shapes. Some of these are:

1. °¿²Ô±ð’s perception or mindset: positivity arises from the way we look at our world. When we see the world with fearful eyes it becomes a hostile place. A positive mindset is a hopeful mindset. It does not dwell on what does not work well but what is within control that can be changed. A resilient mindset is a realistic one – it deals with crises as they arise; does not dwell on the past unnecessarily and is hopeful about the future. This pandemic has challenged us to become more resilient in that we are learning to focus on the present; to be hopeful; to draw from our strength; to cut our losses and get on with the business of living.
   
   
2. Resilient people are emotionally intelligent (EQ): when we act from a position of fear we procrastinate, we constantly seek reassurance from others, we blame others, we consume things compulsively and we try to micromanage others. Anxiety leads to inappropriate expression of anger and fear. When we act from a position of resilience, we acknowledge our feelings but do not act from them. We learn to take a step back. Resilient people also feel angry and fearful and anxious but they do not act from them. They learn to create a space between their feelings and the way they react to the situation. By buckling down in order to make the best of a very difficult situation we are learning that there is no-one to blame except ourselves if we give way to destructive expression of emotions.
   
   
3. Resilience is borne out of using supportive networks: loss of connection with others leads to a sense of isolation which is toxic for emotional stability. Thus, resilient people seek and draw towards them other people who can assist them in times of stress. We are therefore learning how important it is to be connected to others especially in a meaningful way. Even introverted people have expressed how they miss meeting with others and having social contact. Due to the pandemic situation we are attempting to connect more with supportive systems such as family, friends, colleagues, virtual groups and other networks. As a result, we are learning to appreciate the relationships that nourish us and give us support and those that are toxic for our mental stability. Thus, it is becoming more evident whether our existing relationships are actually supportive or not. We are reaching out more so than before towards those that enrich our lives and support our mental wellbeing.