How to build resilience and navigate difficult times as a young adult

Imagine being mentally and emotionally worn out due to financial hardships, relationship issues, and the constant pressure to succeed. From personal setbacks to societal pressures, difficult times can sap our emotional resilience.

Thus, our mental health and well-being often bear the brunt when faced with life’s challenges. 

However, it is common to feel overwhelmed, sad, anxious, or uncertain about the future during difficult times. These are valid and natural reactions to the challenges we face.

External factors, like financial hardships or relationship strain, can heighten stress levels and cause unpleasant emotions. Internal elements like self-doubt or negative self-talk can also worsen the effect on our mental health.

Consequently, it is essential to put our mental health first during these times because failing to do so can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, or lead to the emergence of new ones. 

Failure to prioritise mental health may affect people’s motivation, concentration, and productivity. Concentration issues, fatigue, and a loss of interest in activities can all stymie professional and personal advancement, leaving you feeling stuck and dissatisfied.

Relationships with family, friends, and coworkers may suffer if one’s mental health is not cared for. 

Further, having a difficult time can make you irritable, moody, and withdrawn, making it harder to communicate and maintain healthy relationships. It can amplify feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Interestingly, this blog post will help you navigate a journey of self-care and mental strength during trying times.

Strategies for self-care and resilience

1. Acknowledge and validate your emotions 

I began to feel depleted, hopeless, and moody over two months ago. Before that, a lot had occurred, and the situation was deteriorating. It took me two weeks to realise this, and for the first time in six years, I was afraid that I might be depressed again.

Knowing that emotions are a legitimate and natural aspect of the human experience enables me to honour them and appreciate their importance.

So I labelled the emotions I was experiencing. It can be challenging for autistic people to pinpoint their exact feelings at times. I am autistic if you did not know that. However, I still gave labels to the emotions.

Following that, you must show yourself kindness. Accepting that it is normal to experience difficulties and that you merit understanding and compassion is one way to do that. 

Please, refrain from harsh criticism of yourself. As you would to a close friend in need, offer yourself words of comfort and understanding instead.

2. Seek support

The next thing to do is to express your feelings to someone, such as a trusted family member or friend or, if you can afford one, a therapist. Opening up about your struggles can help relieve emotional burdens.

Support can take many forms, including emotional support, practical assistance, and professional advice. 

Choose individuals who are compassionate, understanding, and unjudgmental. Without downplaying your experiences, they ought to be ready to listen and offer support. 

If you can pay for it, there are some startups in Nigeria, like mytherapist.ng, Blureroomcare, and Akoma Health which provide professional assistance for a fair price.

But if you can’t afford that, you can always get professional help for free on Truthshare, 7Cups, and MentallyAwareNigeria. 

Talk openly and vulnerably about your struggles. If you require a listening ear, advice, or practical assistance, let them know how you feel and what you need from them.

Why is it important? When facing a challenging situation, support from others can bring comfort, understanding, and validation. Sharing your struggles with a caring person can help you feel less alone and give you a fresh perspective on your difficulties.

Always remember that asking for assistance is a brave step toward self-care and well-being rather than a sign of weakness. A support system can be helpful when going through difficult times.

3. Practise self-care

Self-care is the deliberate practice of routines and behaviours that improve physical, emotional, and mental well-being. To keep your balance and resilience during trying times, you must prioritise your needs and take care of yourself.

Consider the things you do for fun, relaxation, and peace. Think about what resonates with you because these can vary for each person. Some of these are exercise, blogging (like I am doing right now), watching movies, and listening to music for me.

Other examples include taking warm baths, journaling your thoughts, practising yoga, reading, spending time outdoors, being creative, and pursuing interests.

Additionally, clearly define your boundaries to protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being. Learn to say “no” when necessary and put your needs before others’ whenever possible. I’m still learning this, though.

Establishing boundaries can help avoid burnout, overwhelm, and too much stress. They make room for self-care and a balanced work-life schedule.

Add mindfulness and relaxation exercises to your daily routine for a stress-free lifestyle that promotes emotional balance. 

Try progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These methods assist in calming the mind and increasing awareness of the present moment.

Pay attention to your inner dialogue and work on positive self-talk. Affirmations and self-compassion can help you overcome unfavourable ideas or self-critical beliefs.

Be kind, compassionate, and supportive of yourself. Even during difficult times, keep your attention on your achievements and strengths. Take social media breaks when necessary.

Be in the company of uplifting, inspiring, and supportive people. Make an effort to build healthy social relationships. Discuss important topics, express your ideas and emotions, and ask dependable friends, family members, or support groups for consolation and direction.

Make time in your schedule specifically for self-care activities. You should treat them as self-imposed obligations.

Make sure you have set aside time to focus on self-nurturing, whether it be a daily ritual, a weekly self-care schedule, or occasional breaks.

Remind yourself that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it is necessary to maintain your general well-being and mental health. 

Why am I writing this?

Seeing others, especially young adults, thrive makes me feel good, and writing is one of the ways I achieve that. It’s been a while since I blogged, and a lot has happened since over a year ago. I hope this and my subsequent posts make you flourish and thrive mentally.

Important announcement: I plan to have the second edition of the young adults-only hangout in Lagos, Nigeria, by September 2023. I had the first one in 2018, and it was incredible.

The 2023 event will provide a safe space for young people to discuss their experiences, connect them with experts for diagnosis and therapy, such as psychiatrists and therapists, educate them on mental health issues, and foster a community of mentally healthy people who can thrive wherever they find themselves.

Please send an email to latoriaav@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer and support the event.

Featured image credits: Photo by Tim Bogdanov on Unsplash