Resilience - Bouncing Back from the Marathon Events

by Richard C. Raynard, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist


After the marathon bombings, what do we do with the emotions aroused?  Is there any direction we can take from such events?

The Marathon bombings captured all the major features of a real-life reality show, with all its danger, drama and uncertain outcome.  The lockdown of a major city was unprecedented. The convergence of internet informants, police, fire and rescue, FBI, homeland security, neighbors, and more was astounding and fearful, both at once. And to bring it home, there were the emotional interviews of survivors, relatives, onlookers and media talk hosts.

Grateful

But Showtime it wasn't for many of us who are sensitive, troubled and even shaken by such events. Where on earth do we put such an event in the flow of our workaday and family life?

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from stress or trauma. The evidence is that the resilient can both face up to the harsh reality and get on with what they care about more, at the same time. Bonanno et al (2007) show that the very depressed come back sooner by going back and forth between the tears of a terrible loss and engagement with what they love about life.  No contradiction - they take turns, since you can't do both at once.

The resilient stick to their routines and habits and find comfort in them. They help others, as well as ask for help, all of which keeps you connected to friends and family and to share your own troubles. The resilient actually play off these horrendous events to affirm what really matters in their lives and renew their relationships with family, friends, work and all else (Ong et al, 2006).

We see how easily our lives can be changed or lost, and feel grateful and abundant.

A survivor, not a victim.


About Dr. Raynard
Dr. Richard Raynard is a licensed clinical psychologist with 35 years experience resolving a broad range of emotional problems. As a cognitive-behavioral therapist who has specialized in anxiety and phobic disorders since 1980, he has spent the last 35 years fulfilling his life-long desire to explore and define the true purpose of emotions and how people can easily use emotions to create meaning and satisfaction in their lives. Dr. Raynard's series of books on emotions can be found on Amazon.com. His other books include Don't Panic, and Anxiety & Panic Medications.