As a Perinatal Mental Health Certified FNP, I want to talk about mental health protective factors in this month’s edition of Sarah’s Two Cents.
Mental health conditions are not always preventable. There can be genetic factors, environmental factors and situational factors that can all increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. But there are some ways that mental health conditions can be prevented.
Protective factors are things that can help prevent mental health conditions and/or reduce symptoms of anxiety and/or depression when they are present. I find it helpful to break protective factors down into five main categories: community, family, peer, spiritual, and individual.
Here are some examples of protective factors within each category:
Community Protective Factors
- Church community
- Book clubs
- Volunteering organizations
Family Protective Factors
- Strong family values
- Family meals
- Shared family traditions
- Open communication
- Affection
Peer Protective Factors
- Friends you can talk to
- Mentors to look up to for advice
- Coworkers
- Social gatherings
- Shared athletic events or work-outs
Spiritual Protective Factors
- Beliefs or convictions that help create meaning
- A sense of a higher calling or purpose
- Having a faith community
Individual Protective Factors
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Healthy nutrition
- Goal-setting and achievement (such as learning a new skill taking classes)
- Time for relaxation
- Hobbies
The more protective factors are present, the better someone’s odds are of having good mental health outcomes! Having as many protective factors in place as you can is also shown to reduce someone’s risk for suicide, substance abuse, and violence.
This week, take time to identify which of the five categories you may be lacking in protective factors, and consider how you can add them into your life.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you are not alone. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, you can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for support.