Creating Safety and The Blueprint for Building Mental Resilience
Written by Clint Adams, Mental Health Advocate & Coach
Clint Adams is an author who wrote a book on suicide prevention. He has appeared on numerous podcasts and has been a guest speaker on mental health and promoting resilience.
In the journey of understanding mental health, creating a safe environment is paramount. Safety, both physical and psychological, forms the bedrock upon which resilience is built. This article delves into the essence of creating safety, the role of directing our thoughts, and how we can guide our children towards mental resilience.
The importance of safety
Creating safety
Each human experience is unique, yet there are general patterns in how we psychologically deal with certain situations. John Douglas, in his book Mindhunter—while written based on serial killers—highlights risk factors that often lead to severe psychological issues. These include strict parenting, humiliation, and a lack of emotional support. While not every child can be shielded from adverse experiences, we can mitigate these risks by fostering a supportive environment.
Creating safety involves more than just physical protection. It requires emotional and psychological security. Initiatives like RUOK Day (an Australian mental health initiative) are steps in the right direction, but we need to cultivate environments where individuals feel safe to express their vulnerabilities without fear of judgement.
Strategies for creating safety
1. Thoughts diary
Encourage individuals to maintain a thoughts diary. This simple yet effective tool helps in identifying negative thought patterns and provides insights into the content of their thoughts. By analysing these entries, individuals can begin to understand their triggers and work towards altering their thought processes.
2. Open conversations
Foster an environment where open conversations are encouraged. Asking high-level questions and showing genuine concern can help individuals feel safe to share their struggles. This approach not only builds rapport but also helps in identifying underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent. It also allows children to discuss and calibrate the behaviour they prefer from each other, rather than put up with behaviour that could potentially be harmful for them in the long term.
3. Professional help
While self-help strategies are beneficial, professional intervention is crucial for those struggling with severe mental health issues. Therapists and counsellors can provide tailored strategies to help individuals navigate their mental health challenges.
Directing our thoughts
You are the director
When dealing with individuals suffering from PTSD or other mental health issues, it's essential to help them understand that while the initial traumatic event was real, their current management of that memory can be altered. By thinking of the memory as a movie scene and themselves as the director, they can make changes to the narrative. This process helps in rewiring the brain and breaking the cycle of negative thought patterns.
Practical steps
1. Memory reframing
Encourage individuals to reframe their traumatic memories. By altering the narrative, they can change the emotional response associated with the memory. This technique helps reduce the power of the traumatic event over their current mental state.
2. Future focus
Guide individuals to focus on their future goals. This shift in focus from past traumas to future aspirations activates the brain's positive psychology and helps reduce anxiety and fear.
3. Positive reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement to encourage new thought patterns. Celebrating small victories and progress can significantly boost an individual's confidence and motivation to continue their mental health journey.
Directing our children
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's thought patterns and emotional responses. By understanding the basics of how thoughts are formed and hardwired, parents can proactively guide their children towards positive thought habits.
Key strategies
1. Conscious control
Teach children that they have conscious control over their reactions. Discussing their feelings and thoughts helps them understand that they can choose how to respond to different situations.
2. Structured learning
Implement structured learning opportunities that focus on emotional intelligence and resilience. Schools and parents should collaborate to provide environments that foster positive interactions and healthy relationships.
3. Positive role models
Be a positive role model for children. Demonstrating healthy coping mechanisms and emotional responses can significantly influence a child's development.
Conclusion
Creating safety, directing our thoughts, and guiding our children are foundational steps towards building mental resilience. By fostering environments where individuals feel safe to express themselves, reframing negative thought patterns, and proactively guiding our children, we can pave the way for a mentally resilient society.
As we continue to explore and implement these strategies, let us remember that mental health is a journey, not a destination. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Read more from Clint Adams
Clint Adams, Mental Health Advocate & Coach
Clint Adams is a former Police officer turned counselor who has worked in numerous industries promoting better mental health and resilience at the school and work level.
He has a background in psychology and behavioural science and is the author of Lighting the Blue Flame, a book aimed at suicide prevention, which is an interactive book with numerous QR codes linking to various sites and additional information.
