Risk + Protective Factors

In this event, risk factors are defined as characteristics at the biological, psychological, family, community, or cultural level that precede and are associated with a higher likelihood of negative outcomes. We focus on the most common disorders including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and OCD. Each of these disorders are unique, and we are here to discuss the risk and protective factors of these. 

                                                                                                        Depression:

Depression involves a sad mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time. This is very different from mood changes in your daily life. Everyone has a different perspective and feeling of depression. 

To know if you have depression, look for these signs: 

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Feelings of worthlessness

• Feelings of helplessness

• Lack of energy

• Difficulty of concentrating, remembering or making decisions 

• Fatigue

To prevent yourself from getting depressed, consider these tips: 

1. Exercise 

2. Have a good diet

3. Sleep well

4. Meditate 

5. Talk to someone you trust

 Here are some examples in where we spread awareness about depression:

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. Anxiety can be normal in stressful situations such as public speaking or taking a test. Anxiety is only an indicator of underlying disease when feelings become excessive, all-consuming, and interfere with daily living. 

To know if you have anxiety, look for these symptoms:

• Trouble concentrating/making decisions

• Trouble sleeping

• Having heart palpitations

• Sweating, trembling, or shaking

• Getting tired easily

• Feeling restless or on edge

To prevent yourself from getting anxiety. Consider these tips:

1. Yoga

2. Meditation

3. Reflexology

4. Herbal treatments 

5. Talk it out with someone

Here are some examples in where we spread awareness about anxiety:

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders shown in kids. It's usually diagnosed as a child and can lead into your adulthood. It may contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and difficulty at school or work. Living with ADHD can be challenging, but with the right support and treatment, victims can lead a normal life. 

To know if you have ADHD, look for these symptoms:

• Hyperactivity

• Fidgeting

• Impulsivity

• Difficulty focusing

• Forgetfulness

• Short attention span

In most cases, there is no way to prevent someone from getting ADHD, as this disorder is mostly genetic, and runs in families. But this disorder can also be formed if you spend too much time on a screen. 

Here are some examples in where we spread awareness about ADHD:

PTSD

PTSD, also known as, post-traumatic stress disorder, is a disorder that develops when an individual has experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. Having PTSD can negatively affect people's moods and can greatly affect their social and daily activities. Unfortunately, it is not possible to prevent PTSD. With good self-care, a person to talk to and trust, managing PTSD can be significantly easier. 

To know if you have PTSD, look for these symptoms:  

• Intrusive memories 

• Avoidance 

• Mood swings 

• Changes physical reactions 

• Suicidal thoughts 

• Flashbacks 

Here are some examples in where we spread awareness about PTSD:

OCD

OCD, also known as obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. On a simpler note, this means they have a tendency to be very obsessive over neatness. There's no sure way to prevent obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, getting treated as soon as possible may help keep OCD from getting worse and disrupting activities and your daily routine. 

To know if you have OCD:

• You feel stressed when things are out of place 

• It's really hard for you to leave home until you've arranged things in a certain way 

• Repeating words in their head

• Constant cleaning and handwashing 

• Constant counting 

• Constant checking 

Here are some examples in where we spread awareness about OCD: