The Healing Power of Resilience: A New Prescription for Health and Well-Being

Dr. Tara Narula, a cardiologist and ABC News chief medical correspondent, presents an approach to health that connects physical and mental well-being, arguing that resilience is essential to both. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and cardiologists typically prescribe medication, surgery, diet, and exercise. However, Narula identifies an overlooked treatment: resilience. Patients need resilience to face new diagnoses, attend appointments, take medications, undergo and recover from surgery, and maintain lifestyle changes. Drawing on decades of experience in cardiology and journalism, Narula observed that patient care often neglects mental health alongside physical health. To manage a medical challenge, patients must be mentally prepared. This insight led her to study landmark medical trials, recent research, and interview patients, doctors, researchers, and thought leaders. The book offers practical tools called the "Resilience Response," which addresses the stress reaction triggered by difficult situations. These tools foster acceptance, mental flexibility, lifestyle change, the ability to face fears, purpose, hope, connection, and self-compassion. Through scientific research, medical journalism, and personal stories, the book presents an approach to health for those facing medical challenges or seeking improved well-being.