BUILDING MENTAL RESILIENCE IN A CHANGING WORLD #WFDD2025

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Dr. Owen B. O'L. James (Retired Physician, Jamaica) Shares His Reflections on the WONCA World Family Doctor Day 2025 Theme: "Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World"

The theme resonates deeply with me, as the "new world"—marked by rapid changes, revisions, removals, and replacements in the environment in which we live and operate—has introduced new stresses and strains. The familiar ways in which we once conducted our daily lives are no longer sufficient. Traditional mores, customs, norms, and standards have been significantly altered, if not altogether abolished.

In response, we must develop new processes and approaches, grounded in a careful analysis of our current realities and how best we can adapt to survive—and ideally, to thrive—amidst ongoing transformation.

Today, certainty around the accuracy of information has become elusive. We are frequently confronted with misinformation and "alternative facts," which, if acted upon, may lead to undesirable, unpleasant, and even physically or mentally harmful outcomes.

This reality gives rise to a critical question: Who or what can we trust to guide us safely and correctly through these uncertain times?

Losses—whether financial, material, health-related, or personal—can lead to profound emotional and psychological consequences, including severe mental distress.

Although I am now retired from active medical practice, I continue to hear medical concerns and offer guidance where appropriate. Based on my experience, I offer the following recommendations for building and maintaining mental resilience:

  • Exercise Caution: Approach all information with skepticism. While this may seem overly cautious, maintaining a mindset of "look before you leap" can serve as a protective measure.

  • Seek Counsel: Discuss your plans, proposals, and new ventures with trusted family members, friends, and colleagues whose opinions you value.

  • Prioritize Health: Maintain good nutrition, regular sleep, and manageable levels of exercise.

  • Stay Mentally Engaged: Keep your mind sharp through activities such as crossword puzzles, word games, and other cognitive challenges.

  • Foster Positive Relationships: Maintain affectionate, congenial, and reliable companionships.

  • Nurture Spiritual Well-being: Engage in prayer and reflection as sources of strength and grounding.

In navigating the uncertainties of today’s world, these practices can help cultivate the resilience needed not just to survive, but to live well.

(obj.april2025)


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