Risk factors and causes
Risk factors and causes
When it comes to understanding mental health, one of the most important things youth workers can do is recognize what might put a young person at greater risk of struggling.
First off—mental health issues don’t just “appear out of nowhere.” Working closely with young people, we often witness moments when something feels off — a shift in energy, a withdrawal from peers, or a sudden spike in anxiety. To support them effectively, it helps to understand not just what is happening, but why. That’s where the concepts of risk factors and causes come into play.
These terms are often used as if they mean the same thing, but in mental health — especially from a clinical or developmental perspective — they refer to different roles in how mental health issues emerge.
Think of risk factors as the conditions or experiences that make someone more likely to develop a mental health problem. They don’t guarantee that someone will struggle — they just increase the vulnerability.
On the other hand, the cause is more direct. It’s something that triggers or leads to the actual development of a mental health disorder. A cause is like the final push that activates an issue, especially in someone who already has multiple risk factors. According to the World Health Organization and the diathesis-stress model (Monroe & Simons, 1991), mental health conditions often arise when a person with an underlying vulnerability (called a “diathesis”) is exposed to significant stressors (the cause)
| Category | Risk factors | Causes |
| Definition | Conditions or experiences that increase the likelihood of developing a mental health issue | Specific events, conditions, or biological triggers that can directly lead to a mental health challenge |
| Nature | Often chronic or environmental — they build over time | Often sudden or clinical — they can act as direct triggers |
| Examples |
– Bullying or peer rejection – Loneliness or social isolation – Family conflict or neglect – Living in poverty – Discrimination (racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism) – Unstable housing or being in care – Being a young carer (caring for a parent or sibling) – Academic pressure or high expectations – Lack of access to support services – Digital overload or toxic social media use |
– Traumatic event (e.g., assault, accident, disaster) – Bereavement or sudden loss – Breakdown of a key relationship (e.g. sudden breakup, parental divorce) – Experiencing violence or abuse – Substance misuse (alcohol, drugs) – Chronic illness or injury – Family history of mental illness – Hormonal or neurological imbalance – Living through war or displacement (refugee experience) |
| Can they exist without causing illness? | Yes — they make mental distress or problem more likely, but not everyone exposed will develop problems | Sometimes — but causes are usually stronger predictors of mental health conditions |
| How youth workers can respond |
– Promote inclusive, stigma-free spaces – Create routine and structure for vulnerable youth – Offer non-formal activities that build resilience, identity, and connection – Help young people develop coping strategies – Provide early support and know when to signpost |
– Recognize crisis and intervene calmly – Refer to mental health professionals – Offer follow-up support and community reintegration – Involve trusted adults or guardians – Empower the young person in their recovery and choices |
Let’s remember, mental distress, mental problem and mental disorder would often not have the same causes and especially risk factors. It is also important that we are aware that sometimes risk factors and causes can overlap. A toxic environment can cause distress for one person, but lead to a full-blown mental disorder in someone else — especially if there’s trauma or a family history involved. One person might feel stressed about school (distress), while also dealing with a breakup (problem), and managing diagnosed panic attacks (disorder) — all at the same time. The point is: these are not isolated boxes. They’re connected. And every young person deserves support no matter where they are on the spectrum.
That is why, we have created a system that might help you identify risk factors and causes, especially if in the recognition phase, you had some doubts regarding a young person from your environment. Furthermore, knowing risks factors and causes will help you do what we are primarily here to do – prevent the unfortunate mental health conditions as much as it is in our power.
Emotions
|
Category |
Mental distress |
Mental health problem |
Mental disorder |
|
Definition |
Normal emotional responses to daily life challenges. Short-term and manageable with healthy coping strategies. |
Prolonged or intense emotional struggle that interferes with daily functioning but may not meet clinical diagnosis. |
Clinically diagnosable condition that significantly impairs thinking, mood, behavior, or daily functioning. |
|
Risk factors |
– Academic pressure – Social comparison on social media – Poor sleep or diet – Overloaded schedule – Minor conflicts with peers |
– Chronic stress – Identity-based discrimination – Being a young carer – Family instability – Emotional neglect |
-Family history of mental illness – Early childhood trauma -Exposure to war or displacement – Prenatal substance exposure – Institutional upbringing |
|
Causes |
– Failing a test – Public embarrassment – Argument with a friend – Being left out – Negative feedback |
– Breakup of a long-term friendship – Losing a support system – Prolonged bullying – Grief over loss – Repeated academic failure |
– Brain injury – Substance-induced psychosis – Traumatic brain event – PTSD from violence or abuse – Severe hormonal imbalance |
|
Can they exist without causing illness? |
Yes — distress is part of life and often resolves with support or rest |
Sometimes — unresolved problems can escalate if not addressed |
Rarely — causes are often strong predictors and require clinical attention |
|
How youth workers can respond |
– Normalize emotional ups and downs – Teach coping tools (journaling, movement, rest) – more can be found in management part of the platform – Offer space to talk – Encourage peer connection |
– Identify warning signs – Provide consistent support – Link with school counselors or local mental health services – Use resilience-based methods |
– Know referral pathways – Stay calm in crisis -Partner with mental health professionals -Offer non-judgmental, trauma-informed support |
Digital prevention
Addictive Behavior with screens, smartphones, and social media as a scenery for recognition
The modern society has created an environment which itself creates various risk factors for youth, and we have decided to address it specifically – digital technologies significantly impact the lives and mental health of young people and this is why our platform will introduce this perspective to you. We believe it is important to mention it, as it became an unseparate part of our growth and development. This part will consist of:
Many people struggle to control their screen time. We often pick up our phones without thinking, get lost in endless scrolling, and suddenly realize hours have passed. But why does this happen?
Here are the main reasons:
Frustration and boredom from difficult tasks
Frustration and boredom from difficult tasks
When something feels too hard or overwhelming, it’s easier to escape into scrolling rather than facing the challenge.
Need for social connection, recognition, and validation
Need for social connection, recognition, and validation
We all want to feel seen, appreciated, and included. Social media provides quick validation through likes, comments, and messages.
Avoidance of responsibilities and real-life problems
Avoidance of responsibilities and real-life problems
nstead of dealing with work, deadlines, or personal issues, many people turn to screens for distraction.
Anxiety and stress relief
Anxiety and stress relief
When something feels too hard or overwhelming, it’s easier to escape into scrolling rather than facing the challenge.
Couple issues
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Avoidance of responsibilities and real-life problems
nstead of dealing with work, deadlines, or personal issues, many people turn to screens for distraction.
Screen time
To increase awareness, it’s helpful to track screen time statistics. The numbers are striking, especially when looking at monthly and yearly usage. Youth workers can encourage participants to check their average weekly screen time and calculate how many days this amounts to over a month, a year, or even across 3, 5, or 10 years.
Global smartphone and social media usage averages
As young people can often be unaware of the time they spend online, here is a table that can gradually show them how much time on average is spent in digital spaces. Some of them might fall under the average rates, but some – they might be significantly above it. The over extensive use, as a part of a daily life and functioning also shapes our mental health.
Let’s break it down a little.
Global smartphone and social media usage averages
Key takeaways:
- Over 3 months per year is spent on smartphones and social media.
- Nearly 50 hours per week is dedicated to screens—similar to a full-time job.
- Reducing screen time by 1 hour per day frees up 15 extra days per year for real-life experiences.
Strategies to Reduce the Impact of Smartphones & Screen Time
This applies both generally for individuals and during activities with youth, youth exchanges, etc.
We cannot rely on willpower alone to reduce screen time. Technology is designed to keep us engaged—companies use research from psychologists and marketers to make sure we pick up our phones repeatedly and spend as much time as possible on screens.
Instead, effective strategies focus on creating external boundaries to prevent mindless screen use.
Top 3 General strategies to set boundaries and recommend to youth/implement with youth
| Category | Strategy | Description / Actions |
| Individual strategies | 1. Set app limits & use a Screen time passcode | Set daily limits for addictive apps. Use Screen Time passcode (iPhone) or App Lock (Android). Give the passcode to a trusted person. |
| Individual strategies | 2. Create physical distance from your phone | Make it harder to reach your phone. Switch it off, leave it in another room, or lock it in a box or car. |
| Individual strategies | 3. Delete apps temporarily & use ‘phone-free’ days | Delete social media apps temporarily during evenings/weekends. Establish ‘phone-free’ days with limited app usage times. |
| Strategies for activities with youth | 1. Reduce smartphone dependence during workshops | Use pens and paper instead of phones. Prepare handouts and use creative non-digital methods (e.g., drawing, acting). |
| Strategies for activities with youth | 2. Create a ‘Phones in the Box’ Habit | Use a special box where all phones go during sessions to encourage focus. |
| Strategies for activities with youth | 3. Make It a challenge | Create a screen time challenge. Reward the participant with the lowest screen time at the end. |
| Strategies for activities with youth | 4. Lead by example | Use a separate camera, take notes on paper, and avoid phones during meals or free time. |
In constant connection, young people are exposed to a stream of content that can distort self-image, foster social comparison, and create pressure to always be available, responsive, or performing.
The digital environment can blur boundaries between rest and stimulation, between connection and surveillance. Young people often struggle to disconnect not because they lack discipline, but because platforms are designed to keep them engaged. This contributes to mental fatigue, disrupted sleep, reduced offline socialization, and increased anxiety—especially when validation becomes tied to likes, comments, or algorithmic visibility. You, as a youth worker, support prevention by encouraging reflective conversations, small behavior shifts, and workshop practices that build digital literacy and emotional awareness. These strategies aim to make young people more conscious of how the online world influences their mental state and sense of self.
To practically address these important matters, we have prepared for you ‘’The little book of mental health prevention.’’ Ready to implement activities with youth?