This post has some tips from a neuropsychologist on developing resilience. These tips may be of interest to caregivers and those with neurological disorders.
Last year at a July caregivers symposium we helped organize, the keynote speaker focused on resilience. I think this is a very important topic for us all. The speaker said that resilience can be learned: yes, we are born with some basic resilience but we can all learn to expand our resilience. And the speaker said that social isolation is as deadly to us as smoking is.
Somehow I got put on the email list for Voice Aerobics, which is a Florida-based company that focuses on Parkinson’s Disease (PD). About a month ago they started using “blog talk radio” as a way to reach a large audience with info about PD and PD organizations.
A recent 30-minute program is on the topic of resilience, with a neuropsychologist, Dr. Jeffrey Wertheimer, speaking. Though the focus is on Parkinson’s disease (and a survey done with 825 people with PD), I think all of what the neuropsychologist said applies to the four disorders in our support group. He also believes that we can become more resilience through coping strategies. One such strategy is not to be isolated.
Here are some highlights of what Dr. Wertheimer said:
- Resilience is more than a personality trait. There are tools, strategies, and learned experiences that can help create a sense of resilience.
- As Parkinson’s progresses, the symptoms may chip away at the feeling of resilience. It’s important that we are aware of this.
- We need to ask people “did you have your mental health moment today” just as we ask people if they took their medication or did their exercises.
- Be proactive. Engage in activities such as exercise.
- Regard Parkinson’s Disease obstacles as challenges to overcome rather than a hopeless barrier.
- Learn about illness.
- Engage in life – hobbies and pleasures.
- Externalize the distress by sharing it with a psychologist, support group, or friends.
I took a few notes while I was listening, and have copied these below.
Robin
——————————————————————————–
www.blogtalkradio.com/voice-aerobics/2013/08/23/parkinsons-and-resilience-got-it-get-it
Parkinson’s and Resilience: Got it? Get it!
by Voice Aerobics Talking 2 You
30:13 minute program
Robin’s notes from when Jeffrey Wertheimer, PhD, neuropsychologist, is speaking (from about 10:45 to 27:00):
12:05
Defines resilience as a dynamic process whereby individuals cope with and adapt or adjust to stress, challenge, medical illness, or any sort of adversity.
The usual focus is on “what’s wrong.” Those with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and their families focus on debilitating symptoms. We need to also look at what’s going well.
13:55
Asks “how do we get more resilience?” How we respond to challenges is influenced by personal strengths and resources. Do we have a positive attitude?
How can we be proactive in coping?
15:00
He talks about the survey on coping. Intentionally look for ways to live life fully. Develop a positive attitude.
15:55
Catchy phrase: where the attention goes, the emotion flows. The more we focus on adapting, the more resilient we are.
18:00
Discusses depression in PD. There can be a biological element to depression and anxiety.
20:00
Resilience is more than a personality trait. There are tools, strategies, and learned experiences that can help create a sense of resilience.
As PD progresses, the symptoms may chip away at the feeling of resilience. It’s important that we are aware of this.
We need to ask people “did you have your mental health moment today” just as we ask people if they took their medication or did their exercises.
Be proactive. Engage in activities such as exercise.
Regard PD obstacles as challenges to overcome rather than a hopeless barrier.
Learn about illness.
Engage in life – hobbies and pleasures.
Externalize the distress by sharing it with a psychologist, support group, or friends.
26:00
If people have greater levels of support, they have greater levels of perceived resilience. If someone is isolated, they may be struggling.