But this year is different for those who live along the Missouri River.  I have watched the recent news coverage with a mix of impressed curiosity and sadness.  Observing 85,000 cubic feet of water being released per second is a site to behold.  Even as I write this that amount will increase to 100,000 cubic feet, and may later top out around 150,000 cubic feet.

The result is that those who live down river are facing floods the likes of which we haven’t seen.  People are moving out of their homes in anticipation of watching their homes become inundated with river water, and with the awareness that those homes may sit in that water for a month or more.  This is not a pleasant story. 

Nor are South Dakotans alone in their predicament.  Life for all of us can have difficult moments and difficult months.  Sometimes the difficulty is extremely personal, and sometimes it is community-wide.  Sometimes difficulties are national in scope. 

Resilience is very important at such times.  A recent article published by the American Psychological Association defines resilience as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress – such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors.”  I often point out to people that one of the more remarkable realities about being human is that humans adapt.  We are able to make adjustments “mid-stream” (pun intended) so that we can continue to live purposeful and rich lives even in the midst of adversity.

The article I mentioned above lists “several pointers [that] may be helpful to consider in developing your own strategy for building resilience."  I want to list just a few. 

1. Accept that change is a part of living.  Just as we anticipate the radical changes that accompany the seasons in South Dakota, so we must learn to anticipate change as a constant in our lives.  We don’t always know what the change will look like, but we do know change is normal.  Come to terms with this reality.

2. Make connections.  Times of difficulty are not meant to be carried or borne alone.  Develop strong friendships and strong ties to family whenever possible.  The APA article notes that “some people find that being active in civic groups, faith-based organizations or other local groups provides social support and can help with reclaiming hope.”  If you are connected to a church you are connected to a great potential source of support.  I recall something the Apostle Paul wrote.  The context is somewhat different, but the principle applies.  He encourages us to “bear one another’s burdens.”  Clearly, when we face hard times we need healthy relationships to help us carry on. 

3. Look for opportunities for self-discovery.  Psychological theorists tell us that crisis breeds or potentiates transition.  That is, working through a difficult crisis can lead to a healthier, more mature self with an increased capacity for dealing with life’s challenges.  Difficulties in life can and do actually strengthen us.  In other words, though we wouldn’t want to wish tragedy on anyone, neither do we need to run from tragedy.  We can lean into our experience.  In the process we just might discover a “greater sense of strength even while feeling vulnerable, [an] increased sense of self-worth, a more developed spirituality and heightened appreciation for life.”

None of us wish for difficult times to come our way.  We don’t relish loss and sadness.  But such times will most certainly enter our lives – sometimes when we least expect it, and sometimes in the form of 150,000 cubic feet of water predicted to come over the dam.  This is the world after all, and the world is a broken place.  The Army Corps of Engineers will tell us that sometimes our best efforts aren’t enough to avoid even predictable crisis, and the Missouri River is reminding us of that right now.

You may discover that you need some professional support along the way as well.  A mental health professional is a good resource for you when the difficulties you face cause you too much anxiety, problematic depression, and a lost sense of direction in life.  Tragic situations stir up struggles with life’s meaning and purpose.  The therapists at Sioux Falls Psychological Services want to come along side you in your struggle.  They are skilled at exploring life’s meaning and purpose in the midst of trial and tragedy.  They can help you rediscover hope for the future in the midst of emotional and spiritual struggle.

If you need help, call us.  For further information on resilience you can visit the Psychology Help Center of the American Psychological Association (apa.org/helpcenter).