Crisis are turning points, who opens for strengthened robustness

Here is an excerpt witch Anne Inger Helmen Borge – professor in psychology at the University of Oslo – wrote two weeks ago based on research on what happened for almost 100 years ago:

Remember that most people will come out stronger from the crisis – it arouses resilience in us and promotes unity.

The great depression stroked the world 91 years ago. Knowledge from the finical crisis showed development of strength, reorientation and endurance. Children in school age developed better self-confidence as young adults than children who didn’t experience the crisis. Children and youth tolerated to take more responsibility. Many of the children who experienced the crisis, mastered their life as adults very good compared to those who didn’t experience it.

We can learn that all can find their personal strength, strong sides and resistance – which is also called resilience. It is under strain our strong sides come forward, almost like when an airbag opens under a crash.

We must all search for protection factors. A such simple factor is to take a phone call to a friend. In 2008, when there were economic downturns in Europe and scientist searched for what contributed to resilience among men, social capital was just as important as employment initiatives to prevent depressive thoughts. Now the most important thing to remember is that most people will come out stronger from the crisis, because it wakes a resistance in us and promotes unity.

A tribute to youth

A week ago, the Norwegian Health Minister payed tribute to youth’s effort at a press conference. Here is an excerpt from the speech:

Now it is time for us to thank our youth. They are sacrificing a lot.

Over the past weeks, adults have been frustrated that they can’t go to their cabins and are required to work from home. But the cabin is just sitting there, waiting for you.

But this isn’t the case when you are young. The spring you turn 14 doesn’t sit around and wait for you. It’s impossible to return to the summer when you were 17.

Us adults spend a lot of time talking about “next summer.” “Next summer” isn’t a thing when you are young.

When you are young, you care about what is happening today and tomorrow. You dream about what will happen this spring and summer. But then the virus came and crushed all of those dreams.

I wish I could say to you all that, soon, it will all go back to normal. But I can’t.

This spring is going to be different.

This summer is going to be different.

This whole year is going to be different.

You are the youth who have to do things differently.

You have pressed pause on your lives so that other lives can be saved.

This is a unique time.

I hope there can still be some goodness in it.

A thousand thanks to all the youth out there.

We are proud of you!

I wish you a resilient, solution-oriented and youthful May.

Atle