Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

CALM AND VULNERABLE

History, Resilience, and the Emotional Landscape of a Nation

Calm and vulnerable—two words that rarely sit together, yet perfectly describe the emotional pulse of a country in flux. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how historical struggle, national identity, and emotional resilience shape our collective future.

This title is in quotes because it appeared in Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper. She is referring to the mood in the country. Maria lives in Los Angeles, so the swirl of complex and contradictory feelings makes sense. She also lives in a changing America where the future seems uncertain and rapidly unfolding.

In truth, this describes the history of this country from the beginning. When the Europeans crossed the water to establish a foothold here, native peoples already occupied the country, and perhaps when they arrived, they also misplaced others. Our country has been flooded with people who have changed the landscape, yet the country remains.

Patrick Henry, in a speech at the Virginia Convention in March of 1775, put it this way:
“I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging the future but by the past.”

Looking at the past, we see a variety of struggles: settlers with Indians, immigrants with residents, slaves with landowners, north with south, Republicans with Democrats.

Many view the present and predict doom. On one level, that makes perfect sense. I am sure that doom-sayers have been present since the Pilgrims’ landing. After all, half of them did not survive the winter! The doom-sayers have been partially correct. Our people have paid very, very high prices for preserving this land and this government.

The Civil War should have broken us. The loss of young, brilliant, vibrant life should have broken our backs. More men died in the Civil War than in World War I and World War II combined. We had to get far into the Vietnam War before the numbers matched.

If we judge the future by the past, we will remain. We have certain qualities and assets that are unlike other countries. We have numerous natural resources. We have a vast area of fertile ground that will continue to feed us. We are geographically positioned to provide natural barriers of protection. Looking at those facts, we are situated in an ideal place. The only variable that can truly defeat us is ourselves: the people.

Want to explore how emotional resilience and civic engagement shape national identity? Visit Psychology Today’s guide to national resilience, Brookings’ breakdown of civic health and renewal, and Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper for weekly reflections on hope and meaning.

If you’re reflecting on emotional resilience, historical identity, or civic purpose, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support insight, healing, and purpose-driven living.