Written by Stephanie Orphanacos
As I journey between the classroom and my counselling practice, I notice a number of common themes. Many of those I meet are struggling to find equilibrium and recover from setbacks, they ruminate on their problems, become overwhelmed, and sometimes feel defeated by circumstances.
I remember being in that place where I couldn’t move forward, I was afraid to do anything different and if I did do something, it tended to be impulsive and poorly thought out. My emotional resilience was at a low point.
Our emotional resilience is the capacity to recover and adapt in the face of stress, adversity, or emotional hardship. Let’s face it since 2019 we have all been navigating constantly changing environments, emotionally intense situations, and invisible reality of fluctuating financial security. In these times, emotional resilience isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ set of skills. It’s a vital life force.
At its core, emotional resilience is about how we bounce back from difficulties while staying grounded in who we are. It’s not about being unaffected or stoic; it’s about being able to respond with clarity and steadiness, even when emotions run high or the world feels unpredictable.
One of the foundational aspects of emotional resilience is self-awareness. This means tuning in to our emotional states and recognizing what triggers us, what drains us, and what restores us. Without this awareness, it’s easy to slip into cycles of reactivity or exhaustion.
The sister to self-awareness is emotional regulation, the ability to feel our feelings without being overtaken by them. In our practices where we devote ourselves to the health of others, emotional suppression can become a survival strategy. It stands to reason that learning to manage emotions in a healthy way protects both our mental well-being and our relationships.
Mental flexibility is another essential element. Life rarely unfolds as planned, and the ability to adapt our mindset by reframing challenges or finding meaning in difficult moments is a key part of staying resilient. Resilient individuals don’t break under pressure; they bend, recalibrate, and re-engage.
Equally important is the presence of strong, supportive relationships. Emotional resilience is not built in isolation. It is nurtured in community (thank you WAW!) through trusted colleagues, friends, mentors, or peers who offer perspective, encouragement, and connection. When we have people who see us, hear us, and stand with us, our capacity to recover grows exponentially.
A strong sense of purpose and alignment with personal values also fuels resilience. When we are anchored in our “why,” it becomes easier to move through hardship with a sense of direction. Purpose brings meaning to the mess and provides motivation to keep going, even when the road gets rough.
Finally, self-compassion is the secret strength that holds it all together. Too often, especially those of us in caring professions, set impossibly high standards for ourselves. Resilience isn’t about perfection or pushing through; it’s about offering ourselves grace in moments of struggle and reminding ourselves that we are doing our best. My best today may look different than my best tomorrow.
So why does all of this matter? Because we are in emotionally demanding times. Because life is unpredictable. Because every time we recover from a challenge, we build a deeper trust in our own strength and that confidence becomes the foundation for leadership, advocacy, and well-being. Most of all, emotional resilience allows us to thrive, not just survive. It enables us to show up with presence, courage, and clarity.
How is your emotional resilience? Check with yourself. Ask: “How am I feeling? What do I need right now?” Try naming your emotions without judgement or incorporate a small daily ritual like deep breathing, journaling, or quiet reflection into your day. Make space for supportive conversations, and most importantly, speak to yourself with the same kindness you offer to others.
You are not meant to do this alone. You are not expected to be unbreakable. You are allowed to be both vulnerable and powerful. And with every moment of intention, you’re building something unshakable within you.
Stephanie Orphanacos B.A., C.Med
Professor, Family Counsellor
Stephanie is in business as a Family Counsellor and a part-time Professor. Stephanie enjoys supporting her clients and her students as they wend their way through the system to access the supports and services they will need to achieve success for themselves or for their children. Bringing her years of experience in multiple therapeutic modalities and her background in crisis management, mediation and program development, Stephanie mentors her clients on how best to locate or develop the resources they require to realize their specific goals or objectives.
Stephanie contributes to the Wild About Wellness Community online where members passionate about holistic health and wellness come together to share information, educate and contribute for the purpose of learning and growing. You are invited to explore the site with a free 1-month membership. Get your 1-month free membership HERE. Register for our FREE monthly events HERE