In this initiative, we define risk factors as characteristics at the biological, psychological, familial, or community level that are linked to an increased or decreased likelihood of future mental health issues. Our group concentrated on specific mental health risk factors and protective factors related to the psychosocial impacts of COVID, our chosen mental health focus. The identified risk factors include loneliness, isolation, and self-criticism.

Loneliness is a universal experience, regardless of someone's social status. Isolation occurs when an individual lacks regular social interactions or the feeling of a close connection with others, oftentimes leading to feelings of loneliness. As a result self-criticism can occur, causing individuals to doubt their abilities and engage in critical self-reflection. To counteract these risk factors, we selected mindfulness and meditation as our primary protective factors.

Protective factors are characteristics that lower the likelihood of negative outcomes due to risk factors or lower their impact. Having mindfulness as a protective factor, promotes acceptance of negative feelings and correlates positively with reduced self-criticism by fostering an accepting mindset. It enables individuals to become more at ease with their thoughts and feelings, fostering self-acceptance and diminishing negative self-perceptions.

Meditation teaches people to control their thoughts helping them clear their mind. This contributes to various protective factors that positively impact mental and emotional well-being. 

Here are some protective factors associated with meditation:

Stress Reduction: Meditation is known for its ability to reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and calming the mind. Helping individuals develop better coping mechanisms when dealing with stress. 

Emotional Regulation: Practicing meditation can enhance emotional regulation, helping people manage and respond to their emotions more thoughtfully. Leading to increased emotional resilience, giving people back the ability to control their own mind.

Improved Focus and Concentration: Meditation involves training the mind to stay focused on the present moment. This heightened awareness can cause improved concentration and attention span, providing a buffer against distractions and cognitive challenges.

Enhanced Self-Awareness: Meditation encourages self-reflection and introspection, fostering a greater understanding of one's thoughts, emotions, and actions. This type of self-awareness can be a protective factor against negative thought patterns and reactions. 

It's important to note that the effectiveness of meditation as a protective factor can vary among individuals, and it may complement other mental health practices and interventions. Additionally, consulting with a mental health professional can provide personalized guidance based on individual needs and circumstances.

Our choice of risk and protective factors stemmed from an awareness of the adverse psychosocial impacts of COVID on teen mental health. Personal experiences and conversations with our mental health consultant, Zachary Martindale, reinforced our recognition of self-criticism and isolation among peers, whether influenced by COVID or other factors. Observations of negative self-talk and social disconnection within our community prompted our focus on addressing these traits to make a more meaningful impact.

Upon further consideration, we have identified the potential benefits of mindfulness and meditation in addressing our observed factors. These were chosen as protective factors due to being easily accessible and their  effectiveness. Recognizing the societal stigma associated with seeking therapy, we opted for easy-to-implement mindfulness techniques for our audience, providing exposure and serving as a first step in improving mental health. Bring awareness to teens who may want to try  professional therapy but have not known much about it.