Resilience is commonly described as the ability to bounce back after a stressful event, situation, or other adversity. And yet, some life experiences fundamentally shape or alter who you are, and "bouncing back" isn't attainable or a genuine way to describe resilience. Rather, you can think of resilience as the process of adapting to and making meaning of your current circumstances as they are, taking good care of yourself, and doing your best each day – even if this looks different than the day before. Resilience is a learned skill that each of us can further develop. Consider these quick tips to nurture your resilience and choose a few to focus on this fall: 

1. Reflect on your physical needs and how you care for your body best: 

   • • Move your body regularly in meaningful or joyful ways. 

     • Drink plenty of water. 

     • Eat nourishing foods that are in season. 

     • Prioritize rest and good sleep. 

     • Limit or avoid alcohol and other drug use. 

     • See your primary care provider annually and visit the doctor when you are ill. 

2. Tend to your social relationships: 

   • • Spend quality time with people who bring you joy, comfort, laughter, or support. 

     • Set boundaries within your more strenuous relationships that allow you to care for yourself best. 

     • Seek out guidance from role models or mentors. 

     • Reconnect with social supports you have lost touch with. 

     • Volunteer, connect with your neighbors, and immerse yourself in the local community.

     • Lean on others, ask for help, and accept help from those who support you. 

3. Practice speaking to yourself kindly rather than talking down to yourself or giving yourself a hard time: 

   • • Extend compassion to yourself and others. 

     • Practice telling yourself, "I am doing my best", "It's okay to make mistakes", "I can learn from this and be kind to myself", "My worth is not tied to my productivity, body size, or appearance", or any other phrases you need to hear. 

     • The next time you notice you're speaking unkindly to yourself, consider what you would say to a loved one going through a similar experience and practice speaking to yourself as a friend.

4. Allow yourself to experience a range of emotions without judgment: 

   • • Cry and grieve when you need to. 

     • Express your anger safely. 

     • Explore creative ways to process and feel your emotions, such as journaling, photographing, making art, or speaking with people you trust. 

     • Practice gratitude for the aspects of your life you appreciate.

     • Make time for activities and hobbies that bring you joy. 

     • Be mindful not to get caught up in the story behind the emotion, allowing yourself to feel what's here and move on.

5. Practice flexible thinking and problem solving: 

   • • Reflect on the times in your life when you have been resilient. What did you do? Who supported you? What worked well? What did you learn about yourself?

     • Set realistic expectations for yourself and others. 

     • Explore how you make meaning of your life's circumstances. How does this fit into your life story? 

     • Give yourself and others the benefit of the doubt. 

     • Practice viewing feedback as constructive and challenges as an opportunity to grow.

     • Try something new, such as a new hobby, activity, restaurant, meal, route to work, etc. Extend this mindset to other tasks or projects. Even if it's been done the same way in the past, try something different and see what this fresh perspective or approach brings.

The EAP will be conducting in-person and virtual screenings for depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Screenings are free, confidential, and available to all MCPS employees and their adult (18+) household family members. This is an opportunity to learn more about depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mood disorders, complete a brief screening questionnaire, and speak one-on-one with a mental health professional. Reviewing the results takes less than 30 minutes. If appropriate, referrals will be made for a complete evaluation. Call the EAP at 240-740-6500 if you have questions and to schedule an appointment.

The EAP is excited to share upcoming events available to MCPS employees.

• October 7, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.: Communicating to Enhance Relationships. Register on PDO Course #93516 Section#: 143319 (SPT10). 

• October 9, 2025: Depression Screening Day. Call the EAP at 240-740-6500 to schedule a one-on-one screening appointment.

• October 17, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.: Caring for Yourself while Leading Others: Leader Well-Being. Register on PDO Course #92916, section 143000 (open to all employees in a supervisory or administrative position, or leading other staff).

• October 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.: College Planning with the Foundation for Financial Education (F3E). View the flyer and register.

• November 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.: Building Your Resilience for Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW). Register on PDO Course #92522, Section #142923 (open to all employees).

• November 4, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.: Mindfulness Drop-In Session for MHAW. Join us in the Robinson Conference Room at 45 W Gude Dr. Rockville, MD 20850 or from anywhere live on Zoom: Meeting ID: 849 1021 1786, Passcode: 860031.

• November 18, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.: Planned Giving with F3E. View the flyer and register.

• December 9, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.: Recognizing and Responding to Stress. Register on PDO Course #91821 Section#: 143321 (SPT10). 

• December 16, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Financial Planning in Uncertain Times with F3E. View the flyer and register. 

 You may also visit the EAP website and scroll down to Upcoming Events to view the calendar.