Protective Factors

Protective factors buffer people from the risks associated with suicide. A number of protective factors have been identified (DHHS 1999):

Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders.
Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for help seeking.
Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships.
Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent handling of disputes.
Effective coping skills.
Financial management skills.
Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation instincts.
Belief that it is okay to ask for help.
Optimistic outlook.
Social and family support.
Sense of belonging to a group or organization.
Supportive Marriage.
Physical activity.
Participation and membership in a community.
A measure of personal control in life and its circumstances.
Unit cohesion and camaraderie.
Peer support.

Command climate can also be a protective factor. Marines are less likely to experience serious emotional difficulties when they feel that:

They are involved in their unit.
It is rewarding to serve the command mission.
They are helpful to others.
They are valued for their contributions.
Unit morale is good.
The command supports them in times of need.
That it is OK to ask for help with problems large or small.
That the command encourages getting help for small problems before they affect performance.
That getting help will be handled in a confidential and supportive manner.
That getting help early will not affect their career, and may even help their career.