Question

Case Study
Anurag was a software engineer working in one of the leading company's in the USA for almost 5 years. He was in a stable relationship and he had plans to start a family and to settle there. Unfortunately due to the poor economy in USA he lost his job and had to return back to India. He felt distressed as he realized that he had lost everything he had worked so hard to build. This made him feel like a failure.

1. How do you' think Anurag can apply the 7 C's of resilience to overcome the difficult situation he is in?
2. As Anurag's friend, how will you empathise with him and help him deal with this challenge?
3. Anurag has developed a very pessimistic approach after these setbacks, how will you guide him to stay happy and optimistic?

Answer 1

According to the American Psychological Association, resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress such as family, health, etc. It is the act of 'bouncing back' inspite of barriers or setbacks. Resilience helps the person to recover form setbacks. Individuals who are resilient tend to-

(i) regain their confidence after a period of emotional disturbance
(ii) maintain their psychological well-being.

Anurag can apply the 7 C's of resilience as follows -

1. He has already worked in a reputed firm successfully. Hence he has the Competence and Confidence in his own abilities. Although he is feeling a sense of hopelessness and failure, he must live in the 'Here and Now' by taking stock of the situation. Character will provide Anurag self-worth and provide a sense of purpose and motivation, i.e., Contribution. When he realizes that he can still succeed in life by applying for a similar job here and accepting the situation, i.e., Control he can use effective Coping mechanisms. Besides, he should not forget the social support of family and friends, i.e., Connection.
2. As Anurag's friend, I can understand and feel what he is going through, from his frame of reference. Since he is feeling distressed and like a failure due to the loss of a job, I will empathize with him by being encouraging and supportive. I will try to make him understand that with his own competence and experience, he can easily find a well-paying job in India. I will also encourage him to improve his professional skills and seek social support from family and friends.
3. It seems natural for a person who was in a good job, stable relationship, and successful position to feel pessimistic and like a failure when all of these no longer exist in his life. I will help Anurag to have a positive approach towards the challenges and difficulties in his life, i.e., view all setbacks i.e. loss of a job, being sent back from the USA, etc., as opportunities not as obstacles. This will help him to gain a better perspective.