Resilience Can Help Patients & Families Come Back Stronger

• Lisa Hyde-Barrett
• Nurse's Corner

In life, things can happen that shake us up and change the way we look at the world. Trauma, accidents, crimes against us or an unexpected diagnosis of mesothelioma for you or a family member, for example, can change your world in minutes. It is said that how we respond to these events is what makes us stronger. Through these events we often hear the word resilience talked about. What exactly does that mean?

According to Psychology Today, resilience “is that ineffable quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes.”

In the book, “Option B Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy,” by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant, resilience, grief, and moving forward, are explored.  Ms. Sandberg’s sudden loss of her husband and her coping with her young children’s grief, as well as her own, is documented. In collaboration with Adam Grant, a psychologist and professor at Wharton, who has studied how people find motivation and meaning, Sheryl tells her story. Adam fills in the research on dealing with these issues.

This is an excellent book, easy to read, and is bound to help you at some point in your life. One of the interesting takeaways from the book is that, “more than half of the people who experience a traumatic event report at least one positive change, compared to less than 15% who develop PTSD.” The authors say, “If you don’t see if growth is possible, you’re not going to find it.”

With malignant mesothelioma, unfortunately, loss happens. Everyone’s life and circumstances are different, “Option B” is just one person’s story. We all have our own stories, but it is reassuring to know that others who have endured loss are eventually able to experience joy again. We are not alone as we journey through our lives adventures and challenges.