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MARIA THERESA M.

HERBOLINGO, LPT
OIC Head, Office of the Guidance Services
Research shows that adolescence is actually
positive for both teens and adults.

Most adolescents succeed in school, are


attached to their families and their communities,
and emerge from their teen years without
experiencing serious problems such as
substance abuse or involvement with violence.

Although teens experience emotions intensely


a consequence of brain development for most,
the teen years are not filled with angst and
confusion. Rather, they are a time of
concentrated social, emotional, and cognitive
development.
Positive youth development is the
understanding, based on
research, that healthy
development is best promoted by
creating opportunities to develop
a set of core assets.
,
The 5 Cs of positive youth development
Asset Definition
Competence Perception that one has abilities and
skills
Confidence Internal sense of self efficacy and
positive
self-worth
Connection Positive bonds with people and
institutions
Character A sense of right and wrong
(morality), integrity,
and respect for standards of correct
behaviour
Caring A sense of sympathy and empathy
for others
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Expanding Teenage Brain


*

The teen years are a time of intense brain changes. Interestingly,


two of the primary brain functions develop at different rates.

Recent brain research indicates that the part of the brain that
perceives rewards from risk, the limbic system, kicks into high gear
in early adolescence. The part of the brain that controls impulses
and engages in longer-term perspective, the frontal lobes, matures
later. This may explain why teens in mid-adolescence take more
risks than older teens.
As the frontal lobes become more developed, two
things happen. First, self-control develops as teens
are better able to assess cause and effect.

Second, more areas of the brain become involved in


processing emotions, and teens become better at
accurately interpreting others emotions.
B rain development even affects the way teens sleep.
Adolescents normal sleep patterns are different from those of children and
adults. Teens are often drowsy upon waking, tired during the day, and wakeful
at night.
In adolescence, the brains biological clock, or circadian rhythm, shifts forward.
Melatonin secretions, which trigger sleepiness, start later at night and turn off
later in the morning.

This natural shift peps up adolescents at the traditional weekday bedtime of 9 or


10 p.m. and can explain why it is so hard to rouse them at sunrise.
Too little sleep can result in
uncontrolled napping (either in
class or, more dangerously, behind
the wheel), irritability, inability to do
tasks that are not exciting or of a
competitive nature, and
dependence on caffeine drinks to
stay alert.

Sleep debt also has a powerful


effect on a teens ability to learn
and retain new material, especially
in abstract subject areas such as
physics, philosophy, math, and
calculus.
Things that are known to Things that are known to
make sleep worse improve sleep
Regular exercise
Napping during the day - How many times a week? (it is
Watching television in bed recommended to do at least 3 x 30
Using a device with a bright screen in minutes per week)
the hour before bedtime (e.g. a - What time of the day? (it is best not to
smartphone, a laptop) exercise in the 3-4 hours before
Consuming drinks containing caeine bedtime)
(includes tea, coee, cola, energy drinks, Setting aside some worry time each
hot chocolate) day to write down any issues that are
- How many each day? bothering or concerning you, then
- What time of the day was your last deciding to leave those worries behind
caeinated drink? (try to avoid caffeine after until tomorrow
6pm) (make sure to do this at least one hour
Drinking alcohol (alcohol typically leads before bedtime)
to interrupted sleep) Relaxation exercises (e.g. relaxed
Eating a heavy meal less than 3 hours breathing exercises, progressive muscle
before bedtime relaxation)
Staying in bed even if you cant fall Having a relaxing bedtime routine (e.g.
asleep (its better to get up and do taking a bath or a shower, reading a
something relaxing, comforting book)
then try again later)
Setting the conditions for sleep
- Make sure the bedroom is completely dark (blackout curtains are cheap
and effective)
- Make sure the mattress and pillows are comfortable (make bed an
attractive place to be!)
- Make sure the bedroom is the right temperature (think like Goldilocks:
not too hot, not too cold).
R isk-taking may be based in biology, but that does not diminish the
possible unhealthy consequences of alcohol and other drugs and tobacco on
the developing teen brain.

Recent brain research with magnetic resonance imaging suggests that


alcohol impacts adolescents differently than it does adults. Young people are
more vulnerable to the negative effects of alcohol on the hippocampusthe
part of the brain that regulates working memory and learning.

Consequently, heavy use of alcohol and other drugs during the teen years
can result in lower scores on tests of memory and attention in ones early to
mid-20s.
People who begin drinking before age
15 are four times more likely to
become alcohol-dependent than those
who wait until they are 21.

Teens also tend to be less sensitive


than adults to alcohols sedative
qualities. Sedation in response to
alcohol is one of the ways the body
protects itself, since it is impossible to
keep drinking once asleep or passed
out.

Teenagers are able to stay awake


longer with higher blood alcohol levels
than older drinkers can. This biological
difference allows teens to drink more,
thereby exposing themselves to
greater cognitive impairment and
perhaps brain damage from alcohol
poisoning.
Drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines
target dopamine receptor neurons in the
brain, and damage to these neurons may
affect adolescent brain development for life in
the areas of impulse control and ability to
experience reward.

Other effects of substance abuse in


adolescents include delays in developing
executive functions (judgment, planning and
completing tasks, meeting goals) and
overblown and immature emotional
responses to situations.
The early teen years are marked by rapid changesphysical,
cognitive, and emotional. Young people also face changing
relationships with peers, new demands at school, family tensions,
and safety issues in their communities.

The ways in which teens cope with these stressors can have
significant short- and long-term consequences on their physical
and emotional health.

Difficulties in handling stress can lead to mental health problems,


such as depression and anxiety disorders.
What is stress?
It is the bodys reaction to a challenge,
which could be anything from outright
physical danger to asking someone for a
date or trying out for a sports team. Good
and bad things create stress. Getting into
a fight with a friend is stressful, but so is
a passionate kiss and contemplating
what might follow.

It is the bodys reaction to a challenge,


which could be anything from outright
physical danger to asking someone for
a date or trying out for a sports team.

When we perceive a threat, our nervous System responds by


releasing a flood of stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol.
These hormones
awakens
our body for
emergency
action..
Three Common Ways People
Respond when Overwhelmed by Stress

Foot on the gas

Foot on the brake

Foot on both
Foot on the gas:

An angry or agitated response.


Youre heated up, overly emotional,
and unable to sit still.

Foot on the break:

A withdrawn or depressed
stress response. You shut
down, space out, and show very
little energy or emotion.
Foot on both:

A tense and frozen stress


response.

You freeze under pressure


and cant do anything. You
looked paralyzed, but under
the surface you are extremely
agitated.
But when we are constantly
running in emergency
mode, out mind and body
pay the price..
Things that can cause youth
Sign and Symptoms
STRESS Stress Overload
School pressure and career decisions
After-school or summer jobs Cognitive / Emotional Symptoms
Dating and friendships
Pressure to wear certain types of Memory problems
clothing, jewelry, or hairstyles Inability to concentrate
Pressure to experiment with drugs, Poor judgment
alcohol, or sex Seeing only the negative
Pressure to be a particular size or Anxious or racing thoughts
body shape. With girls, the focus Constant worrying
is often weight. With boys, it is
Moodiness
usually a certain muscular or
athletic physique. Irritability or short temper
Dealing with the physical and
Agitation, inability to relax
cognitive changes of puberty
Family and peer conflicts
Feeling overwhelmed
Being bullied or exposed to Sense of loneliness and isolation
violence or sexual harassment General unhappiness
Crammed schedules, juggling
school, sports, after-school activities,
social life, and family obligations
Sign and Symptoms Stress Overload

Physical / Behavioral Symptoms


Sleeping too much or
Aches and pains too little
Diarrhea or constipation Isolating yourself from
Nausea, dizziness others
Chest pain Procrastinating or neglecting
Rapid heartbeat responsibilities
Loss sex drive Using alcohol, cigarettes, or
Frequent colds drugs to relax
Eating more or less Nervous habits
(e.g. nail-biting)
Effects of Chronic Stress
It raise blood pressure,
Suppress the immune system
Increase the risk of heart attack
and stroke
Contribute to infertility
Speed up the aging process
Many health problems are caused or
exacerbated by stress:
Pain of any kind
Heart disease
Digestive problems
Sleep problems
Depression
Obesity
Autoimmune diseases
Skin conditions
Stress management skills for young people&
adults
Talk about problems with others
Take deep breaths, accompanied by thinking or saying aloud, I
can handle this
Perform progressive muscle relaxation, which involves
repeatedly tensing and relaxing large muscles of the body
Set small goals and break tasks into smaller, manageable
chunks
Exercise and eat regular meals
Get proper sleep
Break the habit of relying on caffeine or energy drinks to get
through the day
Focus on what you can control (your reactions, your actions) and
let go of what you cannot (other peoples opinions and
expectations)
Visualize and practice feared situations
Work through worst-case scenarios until they seem amusing or
absurd
Lower unrealistic expectations
Schedule breaks and enjoyable activities
Accept yourself as you are; identify your unique strengths and
build on them
Give up on the idea of perfection, both in yourself and in others
Bullying involves a person or a group repeatedly trying to harm someone they
see as weaker or more vulnerable. Appearance and social status are the main
reasons for bullying, but young people can be singled out because of their sexual
orientation, their race or religion, or because they may be shy and introverted.

Bullying can involve direct attacks hitting, threatening or intimidating,


maliciously teasing and taunting, name-calling, making sexual remarks, sexual
assault, and stealing or damaging belongings.

Bullying can also involve the subtler, indirect attacks of rumor-mongering or


encouraging others to snub someone.
Taking the bark out of Bullies
Bullying should not be shrugged off as a normal rite of passage
in adolescence. It is abusive behaviour that is likely to create
emotional and social problems during the teen years and later in
life for both the victim and the aggressor.

Speak up after a teen tells you about being bullied at school or elsewhere. Take his
or her concerns seriously. Go to the school and talk to the teachers, coaches, and
principal. Speak to the parents or adults in charge if a teen is being harassed by a peer
or social clique.
Observe your own behaviour. Adolescents look to adults for cues as to how to act, so
practice being caring and empathetic, and controlling your aggressions. Avoid
engaging in physical violence, harsh criticism, vendettas, and vicious emotional
outbursts.
Advocate for policies and programs concerning bullying in the schools and the
community. One successful program used throughout the country has been developed
by Dan Olweus, a Norwegian psychologist and bullying expert. The program focuses
on creating a caring community as opposed to eliminating bad behaviour.
E motions can bring discomfort for everyone, but this is especially true for
adolescents, who are still learning to identify and manage their emotional
responses.

Emotional extremes are common during the teen years and may be reflected in
mood swings, emotional outbursts, sadness, or behaviours intended to distract
from uncomfortable feelings (such as sleeping or listening to loud music).

It is estimated that at some point before age 20, one in 10 young people
experiences a serious emotional disturbance that disrupts their ability to
function at home, in school, or in the community.

The good news is that most emotional disturbances are treatable.


Depression is much more than just sadness.

.. feelings of helplessness,
hopelessness, and
worthlessness
are intense and
unrelenting.
Suicide
Of the 107 suicides in the Philippines
reported in the first half of 2010, 82 were
male while 21 were female. Seventy one
of the suicides were in Metro Manila
the bulk coming from Quezon City,
mostly by hanging.

Most of the suicides are in the 21 to 40


age group, followed by 41 and above and
20 and below.

*Manila Bulletin
Most Shocking Suicides in the Philippines
After prominent, and talented award-winning actor Robin Williams tragic
news, the public is now aware why depression is a serious problem that
occurs widely without choosing any status. This mental-emotional connection
is often a potential cause for driving a person to voluntarily enter the other
dimension, may it be external or internal reasons.

Maria Theresa Carlson November 23, 2001


Maria Theresa Carlson was Miss Young
Philippines in 1979. She is a Filipino-Amercian
beauty who became known in the showbiz
industry after representing the country for Miss
Young International Beauty Pageant held in
Tokyo. She is famous for her laugh line Si
ikaw, si ako because of her broken Tagalog
ways when speaking the language.

Her suicide pointed to her marriage struggle


from her politician husband Rodolfo Castro
Farias. Initial cries for help were detailed as
constant beatings, water torture, and other
physical abuse.
Most Shocking Suicides in the Philippines
At the age of 38, Carlson died the same year
as Nida Blancas murder case. Carlson
plunged off the 23rd floor of her apartment
in Platinum 2000, Greenhills San Juan,
which is ironically adjacent to Atlanta
building where Nida Blanca died.

The former Armed Forces chief and defense


Angelo Reyes February 8, 2011 secretary Angelo Reyes was reported to have
shot himself at the left side of his body in
front of her mothers grave at the Loyola
Memorial Park in Marikina, two years ago.
He was allegedly receiving millions of pesos (up to
50M) upon retirement which was probed to have been a
scandalous military corruption. He was also accused of
protecting Carlos Garcia, a former military comptroller
who was facing charges for plunder that involved
Php303 million in military funds. Reyes was reportedly
embarrassed by the accusations against him during the
Senate probe which led to depression noted as the
cause of his suicide.
Most Shocking Suicides in the Philippines
Kristel Tejada March 15, 2013

Kristel Tejadas cause of suicide


has sparked the whole nations
outrage because of the
governments educational no late
payment policy implemented
particularly by the University of the
Philippines. The root of the suicide
is said to be the failure of paying
the tuition fee of Php10,000 which is
subject to forced LOA.

She died from consuming silver cleaning fluid. Til this day, she
remained a symbol of hope awareness to students who might have
a similar situation as her, and mainly a wakeup call to the
Philippine education system.
Depression self-help tip 1:
Cultivate supportive relationships
10 tips for reaching out and building relationships

1. Call or email an old friend.


2. Go for a walk with a workout buddy.
3. Schedule a weekly dinner date.
4. Meet new people by taking a class
or joining a club.
1. Confide in a counselor, therapist,
or clergy member.
Depression self-help tip 2:

Take care of yourself

Do things you enjoy (or used to)


Develop a wellness toolbox
Adopt healthy lifestyle habits
Fight depression by managing stress
Depression self-help tip 3:

Get regular exercise


Depression self-help tip 4:

Eat a healthy, mood-boosting diet


Depression self-help tip 5:

Challenge negative thinking


Depression self-help tip 6:

Raise your emotional intelligence


Depression self-help tip 7:
Know when to get additional help

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