What are the top factors affecting wellbeing and mental health?
Posted: 18 November 2025 at 1:24 pm | Author: CAW Business School
Wellbeing and mental health affect every part of our lives, influencing how we think, feel and behave. They’re shaped by a mix of personal habits, relationships, environments and wider social factors that all interact over time. Understanding these influences can help us take meaningful steps to protect our wellbeing and support others.
Personal factors
Personal factors are often the most immediate influences on mental health. Physical health, sleep quality, diet, exercise and genetics can all affect energy, mood and resilience. Past experiences, coping styles and personality traits also play a part in how we manage stress or adapt to change.
Becoming more self-aware is an important first step. Paying attention to your own triggers and routines helps you notice what supports your mental health. Prioritising rest, setting clear boundaries and practising self-compassion can make a significant difference to how you feel day to day.
Social and relationship factors
Strong social connections are one of the most powerful protective factors for wellbeing. Supportive relationships with friends, family and colleagues can reduce stress and increase confidence. On the other hand, isolation or conflict can harm mental health.
Workplace culture also has a big influence. Open communication, recognition and teamwork create positive environments where people can thrive. Feeling part of a supportive community, both inside and outside of work, plays a key role in emotional wellbeing.
Environmental and lifestyle factors
Where and how we live has a direct impact on mental health. Job security, financial stability, housing conditions and access to nature can all affect stress levels. A safe, inclusive environment supports confidence and calm, while instability can lead to anxiety or burnout.
Technology and lifestyle also play a part. Managing screen time, maintaining healthy routines and creating balance between online and offline life can improve focus and wellbeing. Flexible working, fair workloads and good leadership are further environmental factors that help people stay well.
Societal and cultural factors
Wider social and cultural influences shape how we understand and experience mental health. Inequality, discrimination and stigma can prevent people from seeking help or feeling valued.
Encouraging open discussions and challenging stigma are essential steps toward creating healthier, more supportive societies. When people feel safe to talk about mental health, they’re more likely to access the help they need early.
Building awareness through learning: City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Supporting Wellbeing and Mental Health of Self and Others
Learning about the factors that influence wellbeing gives people the tools to make positive changes in their own lives and workplaces. Education helps turn awareness into action.
The City & Guilds Level 2 Award in Supporting Wellbeing and Mental Health of Self and Others is a great way to develop that knowledge. This short, flexible online course explores how to maintain your own wellbeing, recognise when others might need support and respond with confidence. It’s designed for anyone who wants to build a deeper understanding of mental health and make a positive impact in their personal or professional life.
Wellbeing and mental health are shaped by many interconnected influences – some within our control and others beyond it. By understanding these factors and learning how to respond to them, we can create environments where people feel supported, connected and able to thrive.
Mental health support at CAW Business School
If you’re a student or staff member with us and you need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher, head of course or line manager – they are there to help you. We also offer lots of additional mental health support that you can access free of charge. To find out more visit www.caw.ac.uk/wellbeing