If you experienced trauma as a result of The World Trade Center disaster, loss of employment or are dealing with other major life changes or crises, here are a number of coping strategies that are known to be most helpful in maintaining your resiliency.  Resiliency is the ability to manage life's crises and successfully adapt to adversity.  

For those who have shown that both children and adults have the ability to bounce back from trauma and to experience success in life.  In fact, a small percentage of people manage to emerge unscathed despite severe abuse.

The ability to be resilient is multi-dimensional, involving self-esteem and intimacy issues as well as emotional, behavioral, social and sexual aspects.  Because resiliency can be challenged in a number of areas, it is not uncommon for a person to appear resilient and to achieve success in work or at school, yet retain emotional problems.

The goal is for all who have suffered trauma to process their past, recognize their inner strengths and, ultimately, become more resilient.

Trauma survivors who do not suffer lingering problems attribute their success to positive and active coping strategies and to having support from someone outside the situation who boosted their self-esteem.

If you have experienced trauma or are dealing with a major life change or crisis, here are a number of coping strategies that are known to be most helpful in maintaining your resiliency:

• Talk about the experience. 
  Being self-reflective requires working through the problem and talking it over with a good listener.  The listener may be a friend, a co-worker, a family member, or a professional therapist who can help you assess unresolved issues.
• Assign responsibility.
  This is vital because it enables you to place the blame where it belongs rather than simply blaming yourself.  Self-blame, while common, is quite damaging.  As you discuss the issues, you will be able to assign responsibility and move on.
• Don't dwell on the past.
  This coping strategy falls in the "easier to say than do" category, yet once you have talked about your past and put it in perspective, you can direct your attention to the future.  Resilient people are more optimistic because they can imagine a happier future.
• Assume control of your life.
  This is one of the most difficult life skills to achieve; yet it is key, especially for those who have survived childhood trauma, where control was impossible.  With time and effort, you can move from a victimized stance to an empowered stance.  To do this, sort out what is in your control, including your outlook, behavior, and what you will and won't put up with.  Remember that assuming control means recognizing that you can only control yourself, not others.

Another aspect of resiliency is the setting of boundaries or limits with others, including parents and children.

If you are in a care-taking relationship, you must say what you will do for others and what your limits are.  This requires that you recognize and meet your needs, thus acknowledging that you are worth the effort.  Self-esteem is also multi-dimensional; it is important to feel good about yourself in several different areas (parenting, relationships, achievements, body image, work, etc.) so that you can weather the occasional failures or disruptions that life inevitably brings.

Taking care of your physical health is a particularly important aspect of resiliency, especially if you have been assaulted.  Keeping healthy is one way you can exert control.  Learn how to care for your body by getting regular medical check-ups, tending to yourself when you are sick, and recognizing that you may need extra care.

Find meaning from the trauma, tragedy or abuse.  Many survivors develop great faith, explore their spirituality or volunteer their time, helping others who are going through similar situations.  It can also be helpful to acknowledge that you are a stronger person because of your experiences.

Being a survivor is not passive - it requires that you engage all possible coping skills.

If you are a survivor and find that you are suffering from depression or anxiety, consider using therapy as a useful tool.  It is not uncommon for survivors to do well without processing the past until something acts as a trigger.  Not working through the trauma can eventually create problems when a common life event such as a child leaving home, loss of a job, divorce, or death of a family member or close friend, leaves you devastated.  If you find yourself suddenly unable to cope with adversity, consider that unresolved trauma may be to blame.  To become more resilient, acknowledge that you were affected and damaged but that you have emerged as a stronger person.

Tap into this strength, seek outside support, and help yourself become more resilient.

Should you experience negative reaction from the trauma, stress or discomfort such as accelerated alcohol consumption, drug use or family disruptions please call the Central Labor Rehabilitation Council at (212) 604-9552x231 for an appointment to visit our professional staff.  There is never a fee for our services and all calls are strictly confidential.