In today’s world of constant change and challenge, resilience can often seem to be in short supply. Generations before us endured world wars, economic depressions, and social upheavals, developing a toughness that got them through difficult times. Despite advances in technology and widespread support for mental health, resilience today often feels like a fading skill.
This isn’t to dismiss the challenges we face now. Mental health is a serious and important issue, deserving of empathy and understanding. But when we start labelling any discomfort as unmanageable, we risk losing something vital: our ability to adapt, persevere, and grow stronger through adversity.
So, how do we reclaim resilience in a way that respects mental health without compromising on growth? In this article, you’ll learn about the evolution of resilience across generations, why it matters more than ever, and how we can cultivate it individually and as a society. We’ll also explore how Cooinda Retreats and My Turf Services provide environments that nurture resilience in a supportive, balanced way.
Let’s dive into why resilience is essential—and how we can bring it back.
A Look Back: What Resilience Meant for Previous Generations
In the not-so-distant past, resilience was almost a given. People faced monumental challenges—two world wars, the Great Depression, and countless economic downturns—and came through with a strong sense of endurance. There was an unspoken expectation of perseverance, shaped by the need to rebuild, provide for families, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.
A powerful example of this resilience can be seen in the work of Toc H, an organisation founded by Chaplain Philip “Tubby” Clayton during World War I. Tubby, known for his compassion and commitment to community service, created a safe haven for soldiers in Belgium, providing support, connection, and relief amid the war’s turmoil. Despite his own challenges, he embodied resilience by prioritising the needs of his community, creating a space where soldiers could find a brief respite from the horrors of war. Toc H continued his legacy, showing that resilience isn’t just about individual toughness but about sustaining others in difficult times.
For past generations, resilience wasn’t seen as a special quality; it was a way of life. This didn’t mean hardships were easy or that mental health struggles didn’t exist, but the social support systems, family structures, and cultural values of the time often reinforced the importance of pushing forward. “Bouncing back” wasn’t merely about individual grit; it was a shared mindset.
Today, much of what used to build resilience has shifted. Challenges are different, and our approach to them often places comfort and well-being above all else. While this shift is beneficial for mental health awareness, it has also meant that resilience—once a core part of getting through life’s tougher moments—can feel secondary.
So, what can we learn from previous generations? Their experiences remind us that resilience is not just a personal trait but a shared strength, built within communities, families, and workplaces. Leaders like Tubby Clayton and the Toc H movement exemplify that resilience is a choice to serve, connect, and uplift others, even in times of hardship.
Modern Society and Resilience: What’s Changed?
Today’s society looks very different from the world that shaped the resilience of past generations. Many factors have shifted—some improving our lives, others introducing new complexities that can weaken resilience. The rise of digital technology, shifts in cultural values, and increased awareness around mental health have all changed the way we respond to challenges.
One significant change is the convenience and immediacy that technology brings. With information, entertainment, and solutions available at the tap of a
screen, it’s easy to avoid discomfort rather than face it. While these conveniences improve many aspects of our lives, they can reduce our ability to tolerate frustration and build resilience through small, everyday challenges.
Additionally, the cultural focus has shifted towards prioritising comfort, emotional well-being, and personal fulfilment. These are undoubtedly positive shifts that support mental health, yet they can sometimes lead to viewing resilience-building experiences—those that require patience, struggle, or sacrifice—as avoidable burdens rather than growth opportunities. This contrasts with previous generations, who often had fewer choices and learned resilience through necessity.
Mental health awareness has also grown, which is essential and invaluable. However, as the language around mental health becomes more common, it’s possible for terms like “stress” and “anxiety” to be applied to everyday discomforts. This can sometimes blur the line between genuine mental health needs and situations where resilience could help people cope and grow.
Understanding these shifts can help us rebuild resilience by reintroducing elements of patience, perseverance, and adaptability into our daily lives. Just as Toc H and leaders like Tubby Clayton created environments that nurtured resilience through community support and service, we can foster resilience by finding ways to face discomfort constructively, leaning on support systems, and remembering that struggle can build strength.
Mental Health vs. Resilience: Where to Draw the Line?
In our society today, the conversation around mental health is more open and widely accepted than ever before—and rightly so. Recognising and addressing mental health issues is essential for personal and organisational well-being. However, there’s a balance to be struck: we need to support mental health while also encouraging resilience.
The difference between genuine mental health struggles and the discomforts that build resilience can sometimes be subtle. Challenges like managing stress, facing difficult feedback, or adapting to change are not always signs of mental health issues; in many cases, they are opportunities for resilience. While it’s critical to respect genuine mental health needs, it’s equally important to encourage the development of coping skills that allow individuals to adapt and grow stronger.
This is where organisations like Cooinda Retreats come into play. Cooinda Retreats offer a safe, supportive environment that respects mental health while fostering resilience. By providing spaces where individuals can step back, reflect, and reconnect with themselves and others, these retreats help people process challenges constructively. Here, resilience is nurtured without undermining mental health—instead, it’s seen as a path to enhance it.
Similarly, My Turf Services provides a community-focused approach to resilience, combining support with activities that promote a sense of purpose and connection. Through initiatives that engage individuals in meaningful tasks and community service, My Turf helps people build resilience in real-world settings, cultivating the skills to face life’s ups and downs with confidence.
Ultimately, resilience and mental health are not opposites; they can and should complement each other. By supporting mental health in a way that encourages resilience, we build a foundation for growth, adaptability, and well-being. It’s a shift that’s both compassionate and empowering—one that enables individuals and communities to thrive even in the face of difficulty.
Why Resilience Matters for Individuals and Society
Resilience isn’t just a personal asset; it’s a crucial quality that strengthens entire communities, organisations, and societies. For individuals, resilience equips us to adapt to unexpected changes, overcome setbacks, and pursue our goals even in challenging times. It’s the difference between being overwhelmed by adversity and using it as a stepping stone for growth.
At a societal level, resilience creates a collective strength that fosters progress and stability. Communities that encourage resilience are better equipped to support each other through difficult times, whether it’s economic hardship, natural disasters, or social upheaval. Resilient societies build trust, encourage collaboration, and promote a sense of shared responsibility that helps everyone move forward.
For organisations, resilience is especially valuable. Employees who are equipped to handle challenges and adapt to change are better prepared to take on new responsibilities, innovate, and stay motivated. Resilience in the workplace fosters a culture of growth, where individuals feel empowered to tackle problems head-on and learn from them. Companies that invest in resilience training and support see increased productivity, stronger teams, and higher engagement.
Cooinda Retreats and My Turf Services play a key role in nurturing resilience at both the individual and community levels. Through Cooinda Retreats, individuals have a chance to step away from daily pressures, reflect, and gain perspective. These retreats help people connect with their inner strength and return to their lives better equipped to face challenges. My Turf Services, on the other hand, uses purposeful activities and community engagement to build resilience through connection and shared effort, reinforcing that resilience grows in a supportive, grounded environment.
By prioritising resilience alongside mental health, we create a foundation that allows individuals and communities to weather life’s storms and come out stronger. Resilience, in many ways, is a societal investment—it empowers people to handle change, support one another, and continually move towards growth.
Building Resilience: Practical Strategies for Individuals and Organisations
Resilience can be strengthened, and like any skill, it benefits from intentional practice and supportive environments. Here are practical steps that both individuals and organisations can take to build resilience while respecting mental health and well-being.
- Embrace a Growth Mindset
Adopting a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort—lays the foundation for resilience. When individuals view challenges as opportunities to learn, they’re more likely to persist through adversity. Organisations can foster this mindset by recognising effort, providing constructive feedback, and framing setbacks as learning moments rather than failures. - Cultivate Purpose and Connection
Meaning and social support are central to resilience. Organisations like My Turf Services leverage this by encouraging purposeful community activities and connections, which provide people with a sense of belonging and purpose. On an individual level, cultivating connections—whether through professional networks, family, or friends—creates a support system that strengthens resilience during tough times. - Balance Challenge and Recovery
True resilience involves both facing challenges and allowing time for recovery. Cooinda Retreats exemplify this balance by offering environments where individuals can step back, recharge, and gain perspective. Organisations can integrate this concept by promoting mental health days, encouraging regular breaks, and fostering a work culture that values rest as part of productivity. - Build Emotional Regulation Skills
Resilience often comes down to managing emotions in difficult situations. Practising techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or journaling can help individuals process their emotions constructively rather than react impulsively. Organisations can offer training or resources in these areas to support employees’ emotional resilience. - Encourage Problem-Solving and Adaptability
Resilience is about being adaptable in the face of change. Individuals can build adaptability by regularly pushing themselves out of their comfort zones and learning new skills. Organisations can nurture adaptability by promoting cross-functional projects, encouraging employees to try new roles or tasks, and celebrating innovative thinking. - Model Resilience at the Leadership Level
Leaders set the tone for resilience within an organisation. When leaders demonstrate resilience—by staying calm under pressure, openly discussing challenges, and showing a commitment to learning and growth—they inspire others to do the same. This culture of resilience becomes contagious, gradually strengthening the entire team or organisation.
By incorporating these practices, both individuals and organisations can foster resilience as a tangible, accessible skill. Cooinda Retreats and My Turf Services serve as powerful examples of environments that respect mental health while actively nurturing resilience, proving that growth and support can go hand in hand.
Conclusion: Resilience as a Catalyst for Growth
In a world that’s constantly evolving, resilience is more essential than ever. It empowers us to face challenges head-on, adapt to change, and keep moving forward. While previous generations built resilience through necessity, today we have the unique opportunity to cultivate it intentionally—balancing mental health with a mindset that embraces growth and endurance.
Resilience isn’t just about pushing through difficulties; it’s about learning, adapting, and building strength in ways that support our well-being. Through initiatives like Cooinda Retreats and My Turf Services, we see resilience in action. These services provide safe, supportive spaces where individuals can reflect, recharge, and reconnect with their inner strength, showing that resilience can flourish in environments that prioritise both support and challenge.
By choosing to strengthen resilience, we’re making a powerful investment—in ourselves, our communities, and our future. Resilience allows us to turn adversity into growth, forge stronger connections, and create a culture of empowerment. When we nurture resilience thoughtfully, we’re not only improving our ability to face life’s challenges but also building a foundation for lasting success and well-being.