9 ways mentally strong people bounce back from setbacks, and how anyone can learn to rise again

One of the most important things mentally strong people do after a crisis is shift their focus away from pain and toward healing, recovery, and growth.

Experts say that the way a person responds after experiencing loss, illness, or disaster plays a significant role in how well they rebuild their life.

Psychologists explain that strength does not mean avoiding hard moments. Instead, it reflects the choices people make when life becomes overwhelming.

Whether someone faces a serious health problem, a natural disaster, or the loss of a loved one, these experiences do not have to stop personal growth.

In many cases, they become the start of a new chapter.

Understanding how mentally strong people handle adversity shows why some people recover with renewed purpose.

Rather than letting hardship define them, they take small, meaningful steps forward.

Over time, many report feeling more hopeful, more confident, and even healthier than they were before the crisis began.

9 things mentally strong people do after a crisis

In the book “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do,” therapist and author Amy Morin shares findings from years of clinical work and research.

Morin has studied how people respond to loss, trauma, and sudden life changes.

Writing for TIME, Morin explained that mentally strong people rely on clear habits to move from pain to progress.

These habits are not about ignoring emotions. Instead, they focus on acceptance, action, and long-term healing.

Below are the key actions mentally strong people take after a crisis, based on the work of Morin and other psychology experts.

1. They Focus on What They Can Control

Fighting against something that already happened only drains energy. Amy Morin says mentally strong people focus on what they can control, such as their effort, attitude, and daily actions.

This approach is one of the most effective ways to build resilience during challenging times, as it replaces frustration with a sense of purpose and direction.

2. They Reflect on What They Have Learned

Hard moments often reveal personal strengths. Amy Morin explains that while replaying painful memories can be harmful, calmly reflecting on lessons can lead to growth.

This reflection helps people understand how to bounce back after life’s challenges and prepare for future setbacks.

3. They Take Action Instead of Waiting

Avoiding problems does not make them disappear. According to Amy Morin, mentally strong people take action early, even if the steps are small.

Taking action is one of the most effective ways to build resilience in challenging times, helping people regain a sense of control.

4. They Practice Gratitude, Even When It’s Hard

Gratitude does not mean denying pain. Amy Morin notes that mentally strong people find something to appreciate while still honoring their emotions.

This balance supports mental strength during difficult times by keeping hope alive.

5. They Look for New Opportunities

Crises often force change. Losing a job, facing illness, or rebuilding after a disaster can close one door and open another. Amy Morin found that mentally strong people accept change and search for new opportunities.

This mindset plays a key role in how to bounce back after life’s challenges, especially when life does not return to “normal.”

6. They Reevaluate Their Priorities

A crisis often shifts perspective. Amy Morin says mentally strong people use these moments to reflect on what truly matters and realign their lives with their values.

This clarity enhances mental resilience during challenging times and informs healthier decisions.

7. They Trust Their Inner Strength

Negative self-talk can weaken recovery. Amy Morin encourages people to trust their ability to cope with life’s challenges. Mentally strong people remind themselves that they have survived difficult moments before.

This belief is central to how mentally strong people handle adversity, especially during moments of fear.

8. They Take Care of Their Physical Health

The body and mind are closely connected. Amy Morin emphasizes the importance of sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet during times of stress.

Physical care remains one of the most overlooked yet essential ways to build resilience during challenging times, as it strongly supports emotional recovery.

9. They Stay Flexible in How They Think and Act

Recovery often requires change. Amy Morin explains that mentally strong people stay open to new ways of thinking and living rather than repeating habits that no longer help.

Flexibility is crucial for maintaining mental resilience during challenging times and adapting to new realities.

Ways to build resilience after hardship

According to HelpGuide.org, resilience is not something people are born with. It is a skill that can be learned and strengthened over time.

Learning how to build resilience in challenging times requires patience and practice.

Looking back on past challenges can also help people learn how to bounce back after life’s challenges.

Even difficult experiences can teach what does not work, such as avoiding feelings through drugs or alcohol.

Mental strength during difficult times

Maintaining mental strength during difficult times requires planning. Denial may ease pain temporarily, but long-term recovery comes from accepting reality.

Here are key ways to stay resilient:

• Practice Acceptance: Face the truth. Accepting what is happening is the first step to finding solutions.
• Reach Out to Others: You don’t have to be alone. Talking to friends or family can help reduce stress. They don’t need answers—listening, a hug, or a smile can be all they need.
• Invest in Self-Care: Stress affects the whole body, from the heart to the stomach. Eating well, resting, and exercising are essential for maintaining mental strength during challenging times.
• Look for Meaning and Purpose: You are not your crisis. Doing things that bring joy or purpose prevents problems from taking over your life. Everyone finds meaning differently, so do what works for you.
• Stay Motivated: Tough times can last a while. Finding ways to keep moving forward helps you grow stronger. Practicing ways to build resilience in hard times supports perseverance, even when the path is long.

Things mentally strong people do after a crisis to move forward

One of the lasting things mentally strong people do after a crisis is remind themselves they still have choices.

By focusing on healing and understanding how mentally strong people handle adversity, anyone can slowly rebuild their life.

Experts like Amy Morin emphasize that building mental strength during difficult times involves taking small, steady steps each day, making choices that gradually lead to hope, healing, and growth.

Watch Amy Morin on TEDx Talks to discover the key things mentally strong people do after a crisis and learn her secrets to building lasting resilience.