Resilience is the ability to cope mentally and emotionally with a crisis or to return to pre-crisis status quickly. It is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands. Resilience is not about avoiding or fighting against stressful situations, but rather about reframing the adversities we face so that we adapt, progress, and move forward.
Some characteristics associated with psychological resilience include an easy temperament, good self-esteem, planning skills, and a supportive environment. The resources and skills associated with more positive adaptation (i.e., greater resilience) can be cultivated and practiced.
Resilience is not only about overcoming a deeply stressful situation, but also coming out of such a situation with "competent functioning". Resiliency allows a person to rebound from adversity as a strengthened and more resourceful person.
In summary, resilience is the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from difficult life events. It involves being able to regulate emotions during times of stress and remaining flexible and adaptable while facing lifes challenges.
