Uncovering strengths and protective factors when they aren’t immediately obvious
Starting with strengths and protective factors keeps us on the lookout for potential resources that can help when planning with someone at risk. Importantly, it helps us stay connected to the person, their story, and who they are.
But what do you do when these are not immediately obvious?
Protective factors are characteristics, such as behaviours, psychological traits, or environmental support, that reduce the likelihood of developing a mental health condition or help mitigate stress.
For example, regular exercise and strong social connections can reduce the impact of stress and enhance mental health. However, not all individuals can easily identify their typical protective factors.
Some people might have no loved ones or family support, unstable housing, financial insecurity, or family members who engage in harmful behaviours.
So, what do you do if you or the person you’re working with is having trouble identifying strengths?
- Ask in a different way. Try a question like: “What’s important for me to know about you?” This question allows them to tell you about their special personality traits, and you may also learn additional helpful information that can help identify protective factors.
- Check with the person’s family or supports. If the person can’t identify any, see if you can invite in or phone a family member or friend to gain their perspective.
- Refer the person for their unmet needs. By asking questions, you might identify things in a person’s life that they may be missing or that could hinder their recovery efforts. Where possible, connect them to other supports to help address these unmet needs. Think more broadly than just physical and mental health. This could include connecting the person to community programs to help with financial needs, for instance. These types of referrals are suicide-specific interventions too.
- Check your blind spots. Hopelessness can be contagious. If a person can’t identify any strengths or protective factors and you can’t see any either, consult with colleagues or your team. They might be able to spot some or suggest approaches that will help you to identify them.
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