10 ways mentally strong people remain stable when it feels like their world is crumbling, according to a therapist

Mentally strong people make self-care a priority, even during the toughest times, because they know the struggle to cope with distress will be more difficult if they're not taking care of their mind and body. They eat healthily, exercise, and get plenty of rest so they can be at their best when tackling challenges.

Mentally strong people don't waste time rehashing conversations, worrying about catastrophic outcomes, or wishing things were different. They know such things will drain them of the mental strength they need to solve problems. So they put their resources into things they can control — even if that only thing is their attitude.

Rather than beat themselves up for not spending as much time with their kids, or for declining invitations with friends, mentally strong people know that priorities need to shift during tough times. They shift their attention to problems that need to be addressed (like paying off debt, driving a family member to medical appointments, or sending out resumes to land a new job).

You won't catch a mentally strong person avoiding problems or hosting a pity party. They take productive action by tackling challenges head-on. If a problem can't be solved (as in the case of a loved one's illness), they take action to cope with distress in healthy ways.

Rigid thinking — like telling yourself that a situation has to turn out a certain way, or that you shouldn't feel a specific emotion — can make things worse. Mentally strong people know they need to stay flexible. They're open to changing their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral patterns to adapt to new challenges they face.

Whether it's a job loss or health scare, mentally strong people know that difficult times may require them to pivot. They acknowledge that changing course can be scary, as well as exciting. They're open to new opportunities as they strive to turn struggles into something positive.

Mentally strong people practice gratitude, even during the toughest times. That's not to say that they ignore pain or minimize hardship — they certainly acknowledge their emotional wounds. But they also remind themselves of all the good things in life and the resources they have to manage the tough times.

While it's not helpful to replay painful memories over and over again, thinking about what your pain taught you can help you heal and grow. Mentally strong people know that they can learn a lot about themselves in their darkest hours. So they spend time reflecting on what is gained from challenges they endure.

Mentally strong people know that asking for help — whether asking a family member to watch their children in order to work on an issue, or reaching out to a therapist for emotional support — is a sign of strength, not weakness. They know they don't have to do everything on their own. Instead, they're willing to reach out to people who can assist them in getting through tough times more easily.