Safety and security

We all need to feel safe and secure within our communities, societies and environment. If basic needs – such as food, shelter, the rights to education and healthcare, peace and harmony – are not met, then we are faced with heightened anxieties and fear. Developing coping strategies towards situations where safety and security are lacking helps to build resilience and perseverance to continue on in life. 

Bond and attachment 

Having strong relationships help us feel connected and ensures good mental health and overall well-being. Deterioration of relationships is common in times of crises; the experience of losing loved ones, tensions building from crises all around us can lead to grief, anger and resentment. Finding ways to build connections again are important to improve quality of life. 

Justice

Societal justice is often measured by the opportunities and privileges individuals and communities are given. Vulnerable populations are often deprived of many opportunities and privileges in their lives, causing anger, grievances, and resentment. The individual may explore these feelings of anger and resentment and find ways to express them effectively.  

Role and identity

Role and identity define who we are. The identity as a parent, a child, or a sibling. The identity of belonging to an ethnic or cultural group, or a particular occupation. The loss of identity and role can cause confusion and ambiguity in life. We cope by building new roles and identities that help give us a sense of control and security in our situation. 

Meaning of life

It’s important to feel that life gives us purpose, despite the many challenges we face. Life can feel meaningless however, especially after experiencing upheavals, causing a deep sense of despair. The individual explores their values in life and discover new ones and find ways to commit to leading a more meaningful life.