Science of psychology and cultivating resilience

Gerard: Resilience is something we all have and can help us bounce back from anxiety, depression, burnout and challenges.

MENTAL health encompasses emotional, psychological and social well-being – affecting how we think, feel and act in various situations and how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy life choices.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on people has contributed to mental health issues globally.

To help people meet these challenges, HELP University’s Department of Psychology is organising a virtual conference titled “Cultivating Resilience in Times of Change” on Oct 30, from 9am to 1pm.

Themed “The Science and Art of Well-Being Amidst Adversity”, the conference is free of charge.

HELP University pro vice-chancellor (Mental Health) and Behavioural Sciences, Education and Languages Faculty dean Dr Gerard Louis said, “Studies on the psychological impact of Covid-19 point to heightened levels of anxiety, depression and feelings of isolation due to the intense uncertainty and inability to interact normally with family and friends for long periods of time.

“We are learning to adapt and cope with so many changes, but many don’t have the necessary internal resources or social support systems to cope with the high levels of stress during a pandemic.”

It is, therefore, necessary to constantly focus on people’s mental health to prevent serious mental illnesses, which can lead to suicide in some instances, he said.

“While people struggle with anxiety, depression, burnout and challenges such as losing their jobs, they still have something that helps them bounce back – resilience.

“It is something all of us have but sometimes we just don’t know how to tap into this,” said Gerard, who is also the conference’s co-chairperson during a virtual interview.

“Scientific papers by presenters from different parts of the world will share evidence of people bouncing back from adversity and in the process, help us understand the importance of learning how to be well,” he explained.

Dr Karen Reivich, who is Resilience and Positive Psychology Training programme director from the University of Pennsylvania, will be delivering a keynote speech at the conference.

HELP University Department of Psychology Assoc Prof Dr Eugene Tee Yu Jin, the conference’s chairperson, said they would be sharing cutting-edge research on resilience.

“We will have eight scientific research presentations, with presenters from Northern Ireland, the Philippines and Malaysia.

“We want to send a powerful, hopeful message across that we have the science and we are going to use it to help build the skills to help you navigate through these uncharted waters of our times.

“The unique challenges brought about by the pandemic mean that we need to think of better ways to adapt, cope, and safeguard ourselves from the mental and emotional toll of prolonged uncertainty.

“Resilience is one such capability – and we want to share what the community of experts, researchers and mental health professionals have to say about ways to cultivate resilience.”

The conference is open to the public and “we welcome anyone with an interest in psychology in general, and those curious about how to use the science of psychology to cultivate resilience in their lives,” Tee said.

They are also having six resilience workshops, conducted by lecturers from the Department of Psychology, specially tailored for secondary school students on topics such as empathic communication, self-stories, how to deal with grief and meaning-making.

“The workshops are designed to be experiential so it enriches the attendees to take part in all the activities.

“We are happy for the students to join any workshop that interests them,” he added.

Some 500 participants are expected to attend the conference and the students’ workshop on resilience.

Those interested can register for the conference and workshops via https://bit.ly/Resilience_RegistrationHU2021