& resilience wellbeing Resilience is the interplay between our adaptation to the external world with all its challenges, and self- acceptance in the face of conflicts created through how we are taught by society we are “supposed” to be. This is something we in the LGBT+ community are faced with daily, so developing compassionate I learned that four aspects of relationships increase resilience; authenticity, empowerment, perceived mutual engagement and conflict tolerance. Impassioned, I recognised and actively cultivated these qualities in myself. Habits to Help Build Resilience Starting with ourselves we can increase healthy habits, such as aerobic exercise 3-4 times a week, yoga, meditation, good sleep hygiene, time in nature/silence and an involvement in activities which bring us joy (play). The sense of community we cultivate is a powerful gift! “
Recently as an actor/writer I was elated to discover that creativity is resilience building! Studies show that self-identification and using creativity as a means of expressing ourselves is cathartic and engenders a deeper sense of belonging. This sense of belonging, whether at work or within our communities, builds inner strength. So, the relationship between ourselves and our artistry is deeply empowering. The Power of Community in Building Resilience It is vital for us to seek out and find positive, nurturing relationships with our peers in order to survive, and thrive. The sense of community we cultivate is a powerful gift! This is evident during Pride and in LGBT+ safe spaces. Relational theory emphasises the power of connection and building strong relationships with others and studies consistently show that deep, authentic friendships positively support resilience. Particularly in this area, it’s a good thing that life is long as I have made many mistakes. I will make more, but sure that’s how we learn! In this learning process, we must choose patience with ourselves.
As LGBT+ communities have unique lived experiences of discrimination and adversity, we have no choice but to be resilient. Many of us have been ostracised by the pervasive heteronormative society. We are also culturally disenfranchised by society, having to “come out” illustrates this. These traumas may cause acute disconnection, we may hide alone or in addictions etc. Yet our speed in regaining confidence in people being kind, accepting, loving and even celebrating us, factors into how resilient we are. By better understanding what resilience means, we can learn to cultivate it in our lives. Broadly speaking, resilience is adaptation, and the fact that anyone can develop it is reassuring. Yet given the recent rise in anti-LGBT+ attacks and rhetoric, it is more important than ever to understand, how do we cultivate resilience? Factors beyond our own personalities, traits and characteristics, support resilience. When plants do not grow well, we do not blame the plant, but rather the environment. So, although individuals choose their responses to life’s challenges, our environments can either alleviate or exacerbate adversities. Where we live, the people we are surrounded by, access to facilities, nature and even sunshine can support or hinder the development of resilience.
resilience is imperative for our wellbeing. Lastly, I would like to emphasise the value of community in the context of nourishing and supportive relationships cultivating resilience. Friendships are vital in an environment where we may not get parental support and/or familial understanding and acceptance. While some of us choose to hang out sober and others party into the early hours of the morning, studies show connections solidified through socialising may offer an alternative method of building resilience, especially when culture and caregivers fail to offer this. Indeed, many psychological studies show that play and social connections improve cognitive, social and emotional wellbeing. To Conclude… So, in conclusion, treat yourself to as much kindness as you can, find your favourite people and enjoy living life - however that looks for you! Your future self will thank you for it, you’ll be more resilient and probably happier. Most importantly, choose to never give up on yourself. In a way, by choosing yourself you’re choosing us too, and our communities need us all.
By Johanna Thea
Within the LGBT+ community and beyond, health is often cited as integration. Yet what happens when we are faced with obstacles, how do we maintain our wellbeing? Resilience refers to the ability to cope with, adapt to and overcome adversity. I first encountered it during my BSc in Psychology researching my dissertation, “What Does It Mean To Be Happy?”. I found my home within Psychology, through a new way of perceiving myself, as resilient, and all my challenging experiences, as gifts. During my MSc Project in Affective Disorders at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, I researched how perception affects depression.
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