Beyond resilience: Empowering PR professionals to soar amid stress
PR professionals were recently joined by Leslie Hansen, M.A., LPCC-S, Clinical Director from Directions Counseling & Coaching for a program hosted by the West Michigan Public Relations Society of America (WMPRSA). She addressed the significant prevalence of stress among public relations professionals. The session provided a clear understanding of both stress and resilience and tips for building resiliency.
Understanding stress and resiliency
Leslie explained the different types of stress and what resiliency looks like.
Stress is a state of mental and emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances, but when it becomes chronic, it can impact our health. Stress can cause issues from anxiety and depression to sleep disruption and weakened immunity. PR professionals often face both acute stress—think tight deadlines—and chronic stress, like a difficult client or a challenging home environment.
Resiliency is the process of, capacity for or outcome of successful adaptation despite challenging circumstances. It’s not just about surviving stress, it’s about learning how to thrive through it.
Why stress affects people differently
Our brains respond to stress in different ways. In short bursts, stress can activate helpful coping mechanisms and allow us to see a way forward. But chronic stress is a different story.
Under long-term pressure, the brain’s ability to think clearly and regulate emotions can shut down. Leslie explained that functional MRI studies show people who engage their frontal lobe more often during stress report feeling less overwhelmed, thanks to neuroplasticity and flexible thinking.
When stress becomes constant, it floods the brain with cortisol and adrenaline, disrupting memory, emotional control, and even serotonin and dopamine levels. That’s why building resilience and learning to manage stress is so critical.
What makes a person resilient
Resilience is often rooted in inner strength—the belief that “I can bounce back.” It’s linked to confidence, optimism and the ability to adapt. The good news? Resilience can be learned and strengthened through behaviors, thoughts, and actions anyone can develop.
A tip Leslie shared was to remember what enabled you to get through a difficult time. Reflect on strategies or solutions you’ve used in the past and use your personal values for clarity and direction when stress hits hardest.
Program attendees shared affirmations that they use:
“Now, not how. Learn to push past not knowing or not knowing everything and just start doing.”
“I am worthy.”
“I can do hard things.”
“The more I focus my mind on the good in my life, the more good comes into my life.”
Beyond resilience - what do you value?
Values are a way of serving as a light in the darkness.
What are one or two things you live by? Think about the fire that keeps you going every day. Leslie shared examples like creativity, family, growth, recognition, ethics, courage, peace, challenge, patience, and helping others, to name a few.
When selecting your values, ask yourself the following questions:
Does this define me?
Is this who I am at my best?
Is this a filter that I use to make hard decisions?
Now dig deeper!
What is one behavior that shows you are operating in or out of alignment with this value?
What’s an example of a time when your behaviors were fully aligned with this value?
What does it feel like when you’re living into your values?
What are the early warning indicators or signs that you’re living outside your values?
Use this worksheet from Brené Brown to help you live into your values!
At the end of the day, PR pros are human. We’re juggling deadlines and managing crises and clients left and right. That’s why learning to manage stress and build resilience isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Thank you, Leslie, for leading this program with such insight and warmth. Take care of yourself, ask for help and know that you are not alone.
About the Author:
Kelsey Berkompas is a communications strategist with a passion for storytelling that drives connection and impact. She currently serves as a senior public relations specialist at Priority Health where she leads media relations and strategic messaging initiatives that elevate the organization’s voice across Michigan and beyond. Kelsey is an active member and leader in WMPRSA where she helps shape the future of the PR industry through mentorship, professional development and communications. She is set to serve as chapter president in 2027.
