Recent research has demonstrated that certain traits correlate positively with recovery from trauma. I will describe each of these traits and discuss their relevance to recovery from the trauma of a bipolar episode and to the maintenance of feelings of well being in the future.
These observations are based on studies of individuals who had to face the trauma of being POW's in the Viet Nam War for up to 8 years and had been subjected to torture and solitary confinement. I will focus on the particular traits, attitudes or perspectives which enabled certain soldiers to be most "resilient." John S. Tamerin, M.D.

1. Growth  Through Trauma: 

Those who did best actually learned and grew from the experience. The traumatic experience, as stressful and abusive as it was, actually presented these particular individuals with a unique opportunity for personal growth and development. This was a rather extreme example of the often heard remarks made by soldiers after World War ll who said "My experience in the War made me a man!"

The ability to grow and function creatively in the face of trauma is also reminiscent of Prime Minister Nehru who wrote a history of the world while he was incarcerated.

The issue here is the creative response to trauma and the question to ask yourself is this "What have I learned from my bipolar episode? How have I grown? What changes in competence or attitude have occurred since my episode?"  Each experience in life, even severe trauma, can represent a learning opportunity. The challenge is how we take it. Indeed, what we do with this challenge says a great deal about who we are.

2. "Keep the Faith, Baby"

This quality may manifest as a strong and clear sense of purpose in life or perhaps in recognizing not merely" what you need" but  " What you are needed for."

3. Caring About Others

Studies have demonstrated that people genuinely committed to the welfare of others - i.e. people who are helpful and loving- are empowered by this commitment with deep sense of meaning and purpose in their lives and, consequently, tend to be more resilient.

4. Finding and /or "Discovering" Meaningful guides or Role Models

In Alcoholics Anonymous this is usually achieved by identifying a "sponsor" i.e. someone who has done well in remaining not only "clean" but sober. People in support groups do better when they identify and then identify with a successful sponsor. The same is true in recovery from a bipolar episode. People who wish to do well need to meet and learn from others who have recovered successfully. We all need "heroes" and role models, preferably people who we know.  People recovering from bipolar disease need such individuals in their lives and there is even safety in numbers so that ideally each recovering person should develop their own personal "Board of Directors" to whom they can turn for ideas, suggestions, recommendations, encouragement, hope, support and even inspiration. That type of experience greatly facilitates and promotes resilience and recovery.

5. Face One's Fears rather than Pretending they don't exist

Indeed, those who are resilient are committed to being prepared. Furthermore, preparation should be a continual process, not merely a last minute response to crisis.

6. Develop Coping Skills-Build up Your psychic Muscles 

Those who do best in facing crisis and in recovering from it are individuals who have internalized the capacity to "encourage" and "cheer" themselves on. Rather than saying "Why" to themselves they are able to say "why not!" They believe or learn to believe in themselves and their capacity to "recover" and solve problems. They develop coping strategies when confronted with problems rather than feeling helpless and "lost." They see "challenges" as issues to be solved and they remain "strategic" in confronting problems rather than feeling overwhelmed by them and giving up.

7. Keep fit

Recovery and resilience is augmented by staying fit through exercise and a regular regimen of physical activity which is good not only for the body but for one's mental health as well.

8. Have a sense of humor and Laugh a lot

John S. Tamerin, M.D.

Medical Consultant DBSA Greenwich