Individuals must build up their internal and external resources to become resilient and cope better with the challenges in life, said a local psychiatrist.
Assoc Prof Dr Mohammad Abdul Rahman, a lecturer from the Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP), was speaking at an online public talk today on “Self-Reliance in the Face of Adversity”. Some 50 people attended the event organised by WOU’s Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS).
THE TALK ON SELF-RELIANCE IS TIMELY DURING THE CURRENT COVID-19 SITUATION WHEN PEOPLE FACE VARIOUS CHALLENGES.
He said how we handle challenges in life, like death, health issues, job loss or financial troubles, depends on our self-resilience in the face of adversity.
Every individual has three elements of power– body, mind and spiritual – to help them become resilient in facing challenges. He said those unable to cope with challenges will feel fear, anxiety or depression and when these disturbed emotions and their problems persist, it can lead to self-harm or suicide.
Dr Mohammad said that our internal resources of self- resilience include our defences, coping mechanism, immune system and fitness, while external resources include human support system, finances, social status and environment.
DR MOHAMMAD SPEAKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF BODY, MIND AND SPIRITUAL FITNESS.
He said our body, mind and spiritual fitness must be enhanced to improve our immune system and build resilience. This can be achieved through food and nutrition, rest and recuperation, fitness, exercise, good lifestyle and health. He said our human support system e.g. parents, good friends, and social factors like status, finances, job, and relationships, along with a calm and conducive external environment will strengthen our resilience to face challenges.
He highlighted that repeated practices become a routine, and we can therefore change a bad habit by forming new good habits. “Steadfast routines build habit, habit produces efficiency, efficiency forms attitude, attitude represents personality, and personality determines destiny,” he continued.
BUILDING OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM TO BECOME MORE RESILIENT.
He said that 90% of what we do daily is controlled by our subconscious mind and so we need to be aware of what is happening. He pointed out that people can improve their self-resilience by being adaptable and moving forward with self-reflection or a self audit of their strengths and weaknesses. “Self reflection will make a difference and change your day, or else it is status quo,” Dr Mohammad stated.
He called on people to sharpen their minds, control their emotions, build their intelligence and fitness, and mobilise their internal resources so as to improve their resilience. He shared that positive thinking frees the mind and makes us more observant, open and willing to learn. He suggested being thankful always, choosing supportive friends, having a right purpose, and changing from a “I Can’t” to “I Can” mindset to develop a positive thinking.
A FILE PHOTO OF DR MOHAMMAD.
He stressed that spiritual resilience can be built through prayer and meditation.
Dr Mohammad remarked that people who cannot accept failure will suffer disturbed emotions and thinking, while those resilient in the face of challenges will enjoy a calm, harmonious and balanced life, and derive self-satisfaction.
