Resilience Week
Each year since 2020, Resilience Week has been recognized across Virginia as a time to reflect on how people and communities keep going, even when life gets tough. At its core, resilience simply means the ability to adapt and move forward through challenges. Here in the New River Valley, resilience shows up in real, everyday ways: neighbors check in on each other, communities come together, and we find ways to navigate challenges like the opioid and substance use crisis. But resiliency doesn’t start in adulthood; we build resilience throughout life, beginning in childhood and continuing through every chapter.
Many people carry difficult experiences from childhood. These are called Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs. They can include things like household instability, trauma, or other significant stressors early in life. ACEs are more common than people realize. Research shows that about 1 in 6 people have experienced four or more of these challenges. As those experiences add up, so can the risk for things like substance use, mental health struggles, and other long-term health concerns. For example, a study found that about half of young people in the juvenile justice system have an ACE score of four or more, which helps paint a clearer picture of what many young people carry with them everyday.
The good news is that positive experiences can make a real difference. These are often called Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and they help balance out the hard stuff. Having a trusted adult to talk to, feeling safe at home, having supportive friends, or feeling like you belong at school all matter, and can help us build resilience over time. Even simple things like being part of a team, a club, or a community tradition can help a young person build confidence and feel connected. Those moments add up and help create a stronger foundation for handling life’s challenges.
Resilience isn’t something you either have or don’t have; it’s something that you build over time. As adults, building resilience can look like staying connected to people you trust, taking care of your physical and mental health, and finding a sense of purpose. Sometimes it’s as simple as getting outside for a walk, getting enough rest, or setting small goals for yourself. It can also mean getting involved in your community, volunteering, or joining a local group. These everyday choices can help you keep moving forward, even when things feel heavy.
It’s also worth remembering that resilience isn’t the same every day. Some days are easier than others, and that’s normal. Your ability to cope can shift depending on what’s going on around you and how you’re feeling. Knowing where to turn, who to talk to, and what resources are available in challenging moments can help lighten the load. If you’re looking for support in the New River Valley, the Recovery Ecosystem’s Resource Binder is a good place to start. Because at the end of the day, resilience isn’t just about pushing through on your own, it’s about staying connected.
In this community, we’re all in this together.