Life fulfillment is a measure of the extent to which a person’s actual life situation matches their desired life situation.
This measure helps determine the extent of a person’s well-being. Studies have shown that social factors alone (e.g. work, income) are poorer predictors of well-being. Instead, measures that incorporate a perceptual dimension offer a better prediction.
The Self-Image Discrepancy
The “self-image discrepancy” is the gap between a person’s current self-perceptions and an anticipated “self without epilepsy.” This is the most important correlate of overall well-being.
The key lies in the nature of the interaction between the environment within which the person has developed psychologically and the stigma of having epilepsy.
Studies have generally found that people with epilepsy show a tendency to evaluate themselves somewhat negatively. Work and social relationships tend to be rated as highly important sources of life fulfillment, reinforcing the idea that epilepsy does not necessarily mean impaired quality of life. However, people with epilepsy have reported feelings of low life fulfillment in the areas of employment, peace of mind and social relationships.
The interconnections between physical, social and psychological well-being imply a person must adopt a holistic model of epilepsy and a multidimensional approach to treatment. This is likely to be most effective in producing change.
FACT
Studies have shown the most powerful predictor of psychological well-being is the self-image discrepancy. The smaller the gap between “current self” and “anticipated self-without epilepsy” (i.e. the individual does not perceive epilepsy as interfering with his/her goals and aspirations), the higher the reported well-being.
10 Ways to Build Resilience
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1. Make connections.
Good relationships with close family members, friends, or others are important. Accepting help and support from those who care about you and will listen to you strengthens resilience. 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. Assisting others in their time of need also can benefit the helper.
2. Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems.
You can’t change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Try looking beyond the present to how future circumstances may be a little better. Note any subtle ways in which you might already feel somewhat better as you deal with difficult situations.
3. Accept that change is a part of living.
Certain goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on circumstances that you can alter.
4. Move toward your goals.
Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly — even if it seems like a small accomplishment — that enables you to move toward your goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, “What’s one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?”
5. Take decisive actions.
Act on adverse situations as much as you can. Take decisive actions, rather than detaching completely from problems and stresses and wishing they would just go away.
6. Look for opportunities for self-discovery.
People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggle with loss. Many people who have experienced tragedies and hardship have reported better relationships, greater sense of strength even while feeling vulnerable, increased sense of self-worth, a more developed spirituality, and heightened appreciation for life.
7. Nurture a positive view of yourself.
Developing confidence in your ability to solve problems and trusting your instincts helps build resilience.
8. Keep things in perspective.
Even when facing very painful events, try to consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion.
9. Maintain a hopeful outlook.
An optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want, rather than worrying about what you fear.
10. Take care of yourself.
Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience.
Additional ways of strengthening resilience may be helpful. For example, some people write about their deepest thoughts and feelings related to trauma or other stressful events in their life. Meditation and spiritual practices help some people build connections and restore hope.
The key is to identify ways that are likely to work well for you as part of your own personal strategy for fostering resilience.