WHAT IS RESILIENCE?
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Abstract
Most of us at some point will be struck by one or more major traumas: violent crime, domestic violence, rape, child abuse, a serious automobile accident, the sudden death of a loved one, a debilitating disease, a natural disaster or war. If you are very lucky, then you have never encountered any of these misfortunes; but most likely you will someday. It is estimated that up to 90 percent of us will experience at least one serious traumatic event during our lives (Norris & Sloane, 2007). Indeed, since the first edition of this book the authors have experienced traumatic events in their own lives. One of us (Dennis Charney) lost a father and was the victim of a shooting with a shotgun that involved intensive rehabilitation. The other (Steven Southwick) lost both of his parents, helped his brother recover from the amputation of his leg, and is currently dealing with his sister’s cancer and his own cancer. Both of us have found the approaches to resilience outlined in this book to be very helpful. We hope you, the readers, do as well. Traumatic events throw our lives into turmoil in unpredictable ways; no two people will respond to them in exactly the same manner. For some, the stress of the event will become chronic, lasting for years. They may undergo a dramatic change in outlook, becoming sullen, demoralized, withdrawn, cynical, and angry. Some will become depressed or develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Horrific, intrusive memories and nightmares will haunt them for days, months, or even years, and they will feel unsafe in the world – hypervigilant – as if another serious danger lurks just around the corner. Some will take up drinking or drugs to numb their pain and dull their memories. Nevertheless, many people will find ways to meet the challenge and continue with purposeful lives. For a period after their ordeal, they may become distressed, but in time they will bounce back and carry on. For some, it will