Interview with Dr. Amit Dias: Psychological Flexibility - The Need of the Hour

As the world faces increasing challenges—ranging from economic uncertainties to social pressures—mental well-being has become a priority now more than ever. January marks Mental Wellness Awareness Month, offering an opportunity to shed light on strategies that promote mental health resilience. One such crucial strategy is psychological flexibility, which enables individuals to adapt, grow, and thrive in the face of adversity. To delve deeper into this topic, Edinbox Scribe Nibedita spoke with Dr. Amit Dias, a leading expert in preventive and social medicine, who provides valuable insights on cultivating psychological flexibility across different age groups and settings.

NS: You mentioned the mantra "Bend, Don't Break." Could you elaborate on what that means in practical terms?

AD: Absolutely. The phrase signifies resilience through adaptability. Just like the willow tree bends in the wind but doesn't break, psychological flexibility enables us to adjust our responses to life's challenges. Instead of becoming overwhelmed or rigid in our thinking, we should learn to embrace change and adopt alternative approaches when necessary. For instance, when one door closes, another often opens; we just need to have the perspective to see it.

NS: How does psychological flexibility benefit different age groups, such as adolescents and the elderly?

AD: Adolescents face immense academic and social pressures, and psychological flexibility helps them navigate these challenges effectively. Teaching them skills like mindfulness and acceptance can reduce exam anxiety and foster resilience against mental health struggles.

For the elderly, flexibility is key to coping with physical decline, social isolation, or bereavement. Our DIL initiative in Goa, in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, trained seniors in Problem Solving Therapy, which significantly reduced depression rates. The ability to adapt to new circumstances, such as embracing technology to connect with loved ones, can greatly improve their quality of life.

NS: Can psychological flexibility be applied in workplace settings? If so, how?

AD: Definitely. In professional environments, flexibility enhances teamwork and innovation. Leaders and employees who can adapt to remote work, changes in market demands, or new policies tend to be more successful and satisfied. It also helps in managing workplace stress, conflict, and even situations like bullying and harassment. Policies need to encourage an open mindset and adaptability to foster a healthy work culture.

NS: You’ve developed a process for adopting psychological flexibility using the acronym RESILIENCE. Could you walk us through it?

AD: Of course. The RESILIENCE model provides a structured approach:

• R – Recognize your thoughts and emotions: Accept your feelings without judgment.
• E – Embrace discomfort: Face challenges rather than avoid them.
• S – Stay present: Practice mindfulness to focus on the present moment.
• I – Identify your values: Let them guide your actions.
• L – Let go of judgments: Treat yourself and others with compassion.
• I – Integrate flexibility into routines: Adjust plans as necessary.
• E – Engage in meaningful actions: Take purposeful steps toward goals.
• N – Nurture self-care: Prioritize health and wellness activities.
• C – Cultivate connections: Build a strong support system.
• E – Evaluate and grow: Learn from past experiences to improve.

NS: What message would you like to share with our readers to encourage them to develop psychological flexibility?

AD: I'd like to remind everyone of the story of the oak and the willow. The oak, though strong, was uprooted in a storm, while the willow, with its flexibility, stood firm. In life, we must embrace change and uncertainty with an open mind. Whether it's coping with a job loss, managing health conditions, or handling daily stress, flexibility is the key to thriving.