Pandemic, Mental Health & Psychological Resilience
During and after the pandemic measures, we observed a dramatic increase in the demand for psychiatric medications.
Today, f.daily reports that one in two prescriptions in Crete includes such medications!
Experts have long warned that following the COVID-19 pandemic, a pandemic of mental health disorders would follow. This phenomenon is mainly attributed to the disruption of social and family bonds.
But how can we become more psychologically resilient? How can we continue to enjoy life despite the dark clouds?
According to Anastasios Stalikas, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, and President of the Hellenic Society for Positive Psychology, there are 4 key pillars that can prevent both mental and physical burnout. Central to these is the development of Psychological Resilience, a state that can be cultivated by anyone as follows:
• The Power of Positive Emotions: Experiencing joy, gratitude, hope, love, and other positive emotions daily for at least 5 minutes.
Something that has helped me not forget to experience gratitude every day is a simple journal. Every morning, I write down three things I am grateful for. The list can include anything: a partner, a friend, a parent, a dog. Even objects—like a notebook, a pen, a desk. It can include being healthy, the breath you just took, a smile from a stranger you will never see again, but that was so wonderful.
If you have trouble finding things to write, read the book All the Wonderful Things. It will give you plenty of ideas.
• Give Meaning to Your Life: The way you find meaning in what you do and how you experience and interpret it contributes to psychological resilience, as long as you focus on the positive aspects.
Why do you get out of bed in the morning? What motivates you? What inspires you?
Friedrich Nietzsche said: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
Find your personal “why”!
• Storytelling: Narrate your life, even your misfortunes, in a more positive way, focusing on the lesson learned rather than the negative moment itself.
An illness, a breakup, or a loss certainly has much to teach us about how to live our lives.
• Strong Human Relationships: Decades of research from Harvard University have shown that neither marriage, children, money, nor titles lead to happiness after middle age. What leads to happiness are strong human relationships, friendships, social interactions, and sharing moments. The brain is structured in such a way that growth requires the presence of other human beings, emphasized the expert.
Perhaps the challenge we need to overcome is finding ways to stay connected with people who enrich our lives, while remaining safe and healthy.
For EUTA Efthymiadou – Tachtalidou Pharmacy,
Christos Efthymiadis
Sources:
f.daily: https://www.boussias.com/portfolios/f-daily/
Anastasios Stalikas: https://www.positiveemotions.gr/poioi-eimaste
Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness | TED
If you feel that you need support on your journey toward psychological resilience, do not hesitate to contact us. Our pharmacy offers a wide range of products specifically designed to meet your needs.
