Especially for BIPOC students, including those who are working class, immigrants or children of immigrants, queer, and/or students who are the first in their families to attend college, the transition to college can be a thrilling & stressful time. Approach wellness & mental health with a preventative lens & develop a routine that offers holistic, protective care.
Research shows that “protective factors” — like supportive relationships, cultural identity, faith, and community — are key supports for mental health. Explore six ways to support the mental health and well-being of your young person, your family, and yourself with our Protective Factor Toolkits.
In this Protective Factors Toolkit, we discuss “attachment,” which is the enduring emotional bond that develops between a child and their primary caregivers. A child's attachment experiences impact their beliefs, relationships, and patterns of thought and behavior. Explore what attachment is and how to help a young person develop healthy “secure attachment.”
In this Protective Factors Toolkit, you’ll explore “Emotional Regulation” — the ability to manage one’s emotional experiences in healthy ways. Examine managing your emotions so they work for you and not against you. Explore ways to build awareness of your emotions as they are happening and choose a response that is both appropriate to the situation and that helps achieve your goals.
In this Protective Factors Toolkit, examine ways to foster “resilience,” which is the ability your young person can learn to bounce back despite adversity. Resilience is one of the most important skills a young person can develop as they grow into adulthood. Explore ways to foster a growth mindset and build a foundation for healthy coping skills and resilience.
In this Protective Factors Toolkit, learn about why strong cultural and community ties are essential protective factors that can impact the mental health and well-being of young people. Research on social identity shows that a person's sense of identity and self-esteem are derived from their individual characteristics and the social groups to which they belong.
In this Protective Factors Toolkit, you’ll explore well-being, confidence and the power of your voice — and the voice of your young person. We all need to feel that we have a say in the direction of our lives. Periods of uncertainty or traumatic experiences of loss or injustice can threaten our sense of control and our ability to feel we’re in charge of our lives.
In this Protective Factors Toolkit, you’ll examine ways to support emotional well-being by taking action for positive change. It's easy for young people to feel overwhelmed, helpless, or hopeless today. But by working to solve a social problem, young people gain a sense of empowerment and learn that their actions can make a difference.
Why Social Connection Matters During Exam Season
Exam season can feel overwhelming for any student. But for many underserved and underrepresented students, academic pressure often intersects with additional stressors, including navigating cultural expectations, financial strain, isolation, and the pressure ...
Honoring Women’s History by Centering Women’s Mental Health
March is a time to celebrate Women’s History Month to honor the leadership, resilience, innovation, and contributions of women across generations. At The Steve Fund, we also recognize that celebrating women means acknowledging the real...
