In physics, resilience defines the ability of a material to absorb the energy of a shock by transforming itself. Since then, this concept has spread as the idea of a positive capacity for adaptation: after being shattered by life's trials, a resilient person would become stronger, more solid. Would overcoming a psychotrauma be then a path to success or should we transform ourselves into a better version of ourselves than before the event?
We know at Cn2r that the reality is quite different: we are not equal when faced with traumatic events and we all do our best when we suffer from psychotrauma. Resilience is not a particular quality that a person may or may not have, but rather a set of processes that can be supported and accompanied collectively.
After a traumatic event, our ability to get on with our lives depends a great deal on our environment, our personality, our age, our entourage, the nature of the traumatic event, our physical health, etc. As each psychotrauma is unique, each reconstruction process is unique.
There are days when we take one step forward in our lives, others when we take three steps back. There are also days when we can't move forward at all. And then there are days when, for example, with the support of loved ones or a team of caregivers, we walk at a snail's pace or with great strides.
Sometimes strength and courage is simply getting up in the morning, having a coffee with a loved one, continuing your care journey, or accepting that some days are harder than others. But that there will also be better ones. At Cn2r, we believe that resilience is the possibility of regaining a satisfying quality of life.
Finally, our path of reconstruction does not have to be solitary: it must be supported collectively. If society as a whole cannot anticipate all traumatic events, it must accompany and support as best it can those who are experiencing psychotrauma.
