Major economic crisis challenge the values of society leading to deep crisis which affect not only the well-being of many individuals but also their health. The most visible consequences are on mental health leading to an increase of suicide, of violence, of substance abuse and others, but there is evidence that other health problems are also present (i.e. cardiovascular risk). Major political crisis, specially the transition from totalitarian political systems to more democratic ones, have the same consequences on health. The study in depth of these consequences reveals the protective factors in society which should be better considered and studied.