Building resilience through faith and mental health
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that one in four people globally will experience emotional or mental health disorders in their lives, though trauma psychologist Angela McCabe suggests the actual number may be higher.
“Experiencing difficult emotions or periods of distress is a side effect of being human and alive,” she said.
“Sometimes, we just need to have a little more care. The good news is that we are speaking more about it.”
Ms. McCabe emphasised the need for protective measures due to cost-of-living pressures, lingering COVID-19 effects, constant technology use, loss of social connections, and various uncertainties in our lives.
“I have found over many years working as a psychologist that people generally cope well with the big events in life, but it is the daily hassles and stresses that wear us down,” she said.
“The boring job, money worries, caring for elderly relatives, a difficult relationship, and living with chronic pain are examples of everyday stresses that can cause a significant increase in our stress levels.
“I would like to see more emphasis on protective factors that build resilience, as outlined by WHO. This should start with comprehensive antenatal care and continue throughout life, promoting social inclusion and supporting families in all their forms.”
Ms McCabe said taking time to rest and relax was important.
“Taking time to physiologically settle and reduce our adrenaline and cortisol levels makes a difference to the health of the body and brain,” she explained.
“Start with your lifestyle, simple things count; go for a walk, spend some time in nature, nurture a positive belief system, eat good food and enjoy time with family and friends, seek out beauty when you can, and limit your exposure to negative news cycles. Be proactive about addressing any bad habits.”
The challenge, Ms McCabe noted, is that when a person is symptomatic and suffering extreme distress, it can be difficult to get help.
“Sometimes they don’t know where or how to reach out,” she said.
“Plus, if you have a mental illness, the symptoms of that – such as low energy or fatigue or loss of motivation – can make it difficult to make that step.”
A visit to the GP is a good place to start.
“Your GP can set you up with referrals and a mental health plan,” Ms McCabe said.
The Australian Psychological Society also offers a referral service.
“And it is always a good idea to reach out as early as you can, as soon as you realise something isn’t feeling right,” she said.
“You won’t bother a professional by talking to them early – these things are much easier to address or treat in the early stages.”
Ms McCabe said that while WHO statistics showed around 70% of people experience a potentially traumatic event during their lifetime, only a minority (5.6%) would go on to develop a psychological injury.
“We are more resilient than we know and designed to survive,” she said.
“Some unpleasant physical and emotional reactions we may experience during a stressful event are an evolutionary response designed to enhance our survival known as the fight or flight response.”
However, when stress is prolonged, such as during times of ongoing uncertainty and intense anxiety, it can have a significant impact on our mental, physical and social health.
“Occasional bumps in mental health are part of our life,” Ms McCabe said.
“Daily, we can optimise our well-being while accepting that not everything is within our control. Life happens. Consider how to respond—talk to a friend, call a helpline, or seek professional help. If you’re worried, consult your GP.”
“And if you look for information online, please ensure it is evidence-based and from a reputable source such as Helpguide.org or the World Health Organisation.”
Ms McCabe said the Catholic faith offered something to hold onto in hard times.
“We are lucky to be Catholics because we have a positive and optimistic faith that recognises the inherent dignity and worth of every person”, she said.
“God is a better therapist than I will ever be, and He is always there 24/7. You’re never alone, never abandoned.”
Ways to look after your mental health
Look after your body: maintain a positive lifestyle: pay attention to diet, exercise, sleep, and routine. Looking after your body provides the building blocks for brain health. Benefits include reduced stress hormones, improved mood, and enhanced mental clarity.
Look after your emotions – helpful strategies might include keeping a journal, engaging in prayer, relaxation exercises, yoga, and talking to someone you trust.
Look after your mind: by cultivating an attitude of optimism, compassion, and gratitude. Find quiet time to relax, think and reflect. Invest in knowledge, enroll in free courses, join a library.
Nurture relationships: social connection is critical to wellbeing. Spend time with friends, family, and community groups. Resolve misunderstandings and conflicts with empathy and kindness.
Make values-based decisions: living with guilt and regret is an added pain none of us needs. We all make mistakes, but you must look back knowing you did your best.
Cultivate hobbies and interests: engage in activities you enjoy, such as music, art, or gardening. Consider volunteering or learning new skills.
Everything in moderation – too much of anything, work, alcohol, junk food, even over-exercise, is a negative way of coping and will exacerbate stress.
Know thyself: we all have strengths and weaknesses that influence wellbeing. Take the time to self-evaluate. You may wish to engage a professional to help. Consider genetics, physical health, attitudes, emotions, and personality. Perfectionists are more prone to stress.
Acceptance: whatever our circumstances, the first step is accepting reality. Then we can adapt. Difficult times call for self-compassion, kindness, tolerance, and teamwork. If formally diagnosed with a mental health condition, work proactively with your professional team to ensure it is well managed.
Useful links: https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_1