The Art of Resilience – Ross Edgely
The Art of Resilience by Ross Edgley
Post by @ally_kate1292
Background –
As a requirement of working in an Army, it is often expected that individuals will operate under varying conditions, no matter the detriment. What we know however, is the psychological and physiological impact of service life can be wide-ranging, substantial, and long lasting.
Four years ago I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder due to the unprecedented efforts I made to perform academically, socially and within the workplace. Over the course of three years, I found myself alienated, isolated and regularly having horribly depressing thoughts.
I was working full time, studying psychology full time maintaining a HD/ D average, all while trying to create a façade that everything was alright. From the outset, my disorder manifested as anger, irritability, poor interpersonal skills, extreme sadness, and maladaptive perfectionism.
I was extremely sick and “looking down the barrel” per say. It took me losing someone I loved for me to recognise the symptoms I was exhibiting before I was able to ask for help.
The book: Edgley describes his swim around Great Britain and other amazing endurance feats, where he managed to overcome seemingly insurmountable pain, hardship and adversity, to study the performance of extreme athletes, military and fitness specialists and psychologists to uncover the secrets of mental fitness and explore the concept of resilience.
Ross does an excellent job simplifying scientific paradigms in a relatable and provoking way and highlights the importance of mental health on resilience.
Result:
Reading this novel reminded me of the challenges i’ve overcome and the resilience I’ve built because of them. Last year I was able to finish my thesis and complete my second degree whilst I was deployed. I have since been accepted into the long-term schooling program to study a Master of Professional Psychology soon to be a Military Provisional Psychologist.
I hope this book helps you reflect on what you have overcome and assists you finding strength to continue developing and growing
