How to stay mentally strong

You do not have to be a mental health expert to understand that it takes a generous amount of mental resilience to stay positive in the world we currently find ourselves in.

People are in conflict with each other on social media, at the family dinner table and in social gatherings. There’s a built-up tension in the air that’s creating animosity, fear and hate. It also makes people feel despondent and depressed. We worry about our physical safety, job security and financial situation. It takes Herculean effort to get up each morning, dreading what new problem we’re going to have to deal with today. How do some people maintain a healthy outlook while others are struggling to keep going?

Amy Morin, an American psychotherapist and bestselling author, told Business Insider that mentally strong people have healthy habits that helps them manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in a way that gets them through tough times.

In her experiences as a therapist and through the research for her book, “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” Morin discovered that mentally strong people use the following strategies to stay strong even when it feels as though their world is crumbling:

Acknowledge your inner strength

Thinking, “I can’t deal with this,” or, “I’ll never get through this,” diminishes your ability to cope. Do not believe everything you think. Giving yourself pep talks that remind you of past tough times you have endured will help you to gain the confidence you need to handle whatever life throws in your way.

Take care of yourself

Make self-care a priority, even during the toughest times. The struggle to cope with distress will be more difficult if you are not taking care of your mind and body. Eat healthily, exercise, and get plenty of rest so you can be at your best when tackling challenges.

Focus on what you can control

Do not waste time rehashing conversations, worrying about catastrophic outcomes, or wishing things were different. Such things will drain you of the mental strength you need to solve problems. So, put your resources into things you can control — even if that only thing is your attitude.

Shuffle your priorities

Your priorities need to shift during tough times. Shift your attention to problems that need to be addressed (like paying off debt, driving a family member to medical appointments, or sending out resumes to land a new job).

Take action

Take productive action by tackling challenges head-on. If a problem cannot be solved (as in the case of a loved one’s illness), take action to cope with distress in healthy ways.

Remain psychologically agile

Rigid thinking — like telling yourself that a situation must turn out a certain way, or that you should not feel a specific emotion — can make things worse. You need to stay flexible and open to changing your cognitive, emotional, and behavioural patterns to adapt to new challenges you face.

Look for new opportunities

Whether it is a job loss or health scare, difficult times may require you to pivot. Acknowledge that changing course can be scary, as well as exciting. Be open to new opportunities as you strive to turn struggles into something positive.

Practice gratitude

Learn to practice gratitude, even during the toughest times. That is not to say that you ignore pain or minimise hardship. But also remind yourself of all the good things in life and the resources you must manage through the tough times.

Reflect on what you have learned

While it is not helpful to replay painful memories over and over again, thinking about what your pain taught you can help you heal and grow. You can learn a lot about yourself in your darkest hours. Spend time reflecting on what is gained from challenges you endure.

Seek support

Know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Know that you do not have to do everything on your own. Instead, be willing to reach out to people who can assist you in getting through tough times.

The information contained in this article is of a general nature and intended for information purposes only. The information and other content provided in this article are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.