Ways to respond to adversity, please give examples...?

Answer 1

Depending upon your level of distress, you may want to try one or more of the following:
1. See your physician to treat the physical wear and tear on your body. You may need help sleeping or in the worst case you could be suffering from depression.
2. See a psychologist to help you deal with the emotional pain and to find ways to handle the anxiety/depression.
3. See a spiritual advisor to help you see how God can help you deal with your distress.
4. Join a support group and know you are not alone.
5. Pray.
6. Surround yourself with positive friends and family members who will listen and offer support.

Answer 2

I think the key to dealing with adversity is to pick your battles.

You don't always have to respond. It depends whether it's truly important or not.

If you are finding yourself in situations of adversity regularly, you may be too sensitive and taking things too seriously.

For example, my eldest sister was incredibly self-centred when we were growing up. There were six siblings in my family and we always had to do the activities that she wanted, she was spoilt yes. The rest of us normally ended up going along with her because we just didn't want to make a huge issue of something small and have some enjoyment left in it. It wasn't worth responding to half the time - get me?

A different example is my nephew. When he first started school there was a kid picking on him. Punching him and hurting him. His mum and dad told the people in charge at school but nothing was done. So after a few incidents, they instructed their son that if it happened again, he was to punch the kid back. He did it, and the bullying stopped.

So you see, it depends on the situation. Not all adverse situations require a response - but you have to decide how important it is. Once you do that, you should methodically and purposefully choose your course of action before acting. Do not do anything in the heat of the moment. Step back and take a breather and let yourself think about what to do.

Answer 3

Check your resources and make sure you can stretch them as much as possible.

Real life example. The only thing I had in the fridge was some over-ripe veggies, the only thing in the cabinet was black beans and rice, and the only money I had was locked in a public transit ticket and a small child to feed. I threw everything in a crockpot and had food for a week. I can't stand black beans and rice now, but it got us through.

Try to barter, exchanging goods and services for other goods and services, no money involved if it's done right.

One more important point. DON'T EVER GIVE UP. It's like saying, ok, this can kill me now. If you just hang in there, things do eventually get better. I know that for a fact.