Building ResilienceDeveloping capacity to deal with the

challenges of life at work and in personal lives.

Facilitator : Richard Wakerell Mental Health Training Manager,

Plymouth & District Mind

Introduction

The journey can be pleasant at times.

We may feel in control.At other times the

journey may not be so easy.

If everything is falling apart, we may wonder if we will survive the experience

The challenge around workFor people in work – few ‘jobs for life’, short term

contracts, zero hour contracts.For people in work – change! Huge demands –

unable to switch off, sleepless nights.For people out of work – the difficulty of getting

back into work. Young people – may find it hard even to get into

work.People with disabilities or histories of mental

illness – despite protection from legislation, find it hard to get work.

The vision compared to realitySupermen and

superwomen are fiction.To be human involves

facing doubts, dealing with conflicting emotions in tough times.

Resilience is a complex issue. Some people are more naturally resilient. Others can learn!

What is resilience?

The capacity to cope with or adapt to stressful situations or crises without long term difficulty.

Resilience involves facing challenge even when it feels easier to give up.

It involves emerging stronger and wiser from adversity.

Resilient people are..‘..like bamboo in a hurricane – they bend

rather than break.’

What is stress?Stress is ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or

other types of demand placed on them.’ (Health and Safety Executive)

 Pressure is part and parcel of all work. It helps keep us motivated.  When that pressure exceeds our ability to cope, it becomes a

negative rather than a positive force – in other words, stress. There is no such thing as ‘good stress’.

 Stress is not a medical condition, but research shows that

prolonged exposure to stress is linked to debilitating conditions such as anxiety and depression.

 

What happens when we are stressedOur bodies react two

ways

1. The rush of hormones that elevate heart rate, boost blood pressure and stop digestion.

2. The symptoms we experience such as clenched teeth, headaches and emotional upset.

Traits of a lack of resilience

DenialWorking long hoursProblems with forgiveness/letting go of the

pastAlcohol used as a propIllegal drugs – seeking releaseLegal highs

Traits of emotionally resilient people

They invest in relationshipsThey address the past and face the most

painful chapters of their livesThey accept failureTheir identity is formed by various interestsThey practice forgiveness/they can let go and

move onThey have a sense of purpose.

Resilient people practice......the five steps to Mental Wellbeing

1. Connect2. Learn3. Active4. Notice5. Give

Final challengeDevelop your personal WRAP(Wellness Recovery Action Plan)

1. My daily maintenance plan.2. My wellness toolbox3. Anticipate difficulties4. The early warning signs

FinallyThank you for your contribution.Any final questions or comments?

Richard Wakerell, Mental Health Training Manager

Plymouth and District Mind.Email: training@plymouthmind.comTelephone: 01752 513693

Appendix 1 - TrainingPlymouth and District Mind deliver the following

training courses:Building Resilience (1.5 hour seminar)Developing Resilience (one day for managers to

support staff)Promoting Wellbeing in the Workplace (one day

course) Young People’s Mental Health; Understanding Eating

Disorders & Self-Harm – (one day course)Mental Health First Aid Standard (two day) and Lite

(3 hour)Mental Health Awareness (one day)

Appendix 2

Plymouth and District Mind Recovery College delivers a wide range of courses including:

Developing Self Esteem and AssertivenessExploring Self Care and CompassionMindfulnessUnderstanding your Anger – levels 1 and 2Your Road to Recovery For further details of all our training please visits our

website www.plymouthmind.com