Going Mental?

Everybody who has been or is going through adolescense knows that being a young person is not easy. Too much homework, problems with parents are some of the problems that they have to face on a daily basis. At the same time, adolescence also experience some changes in their bodies, or/and minds. In other words, youngsters have to deal with external and internal problems which sometimes drive them nuts.

If you think that sometimes you don’t understand your own feelings, don’t know what you want, and worry too much what will happen next, you’re not alone. You’re this stage called unstable period-the time for searching and building your identity, the real you. Knowing about some problems that may occur along the way will help you to get through this bumpy chapter of your life.

STRESS

Sleeping problems, unexplainable sadness, panic attacks, sudden anger, and/or moodiness are signs of stress. When you already have one or two of those symptoms, you should be aware that you need to do something.

The most helpful method of dealing with stress is learning how to manage the stress that comes along with any new challenge, good or bad. Knowing how to “de-stress” and doing it when things are relatively that may arise. Here are some things that can help keep stress under control.

· Take a stand againts over-scheduling. You know your limitations; just do the things that receive priority and cut out the unnecessary ones.

· Be realistic. Don’t try to be perfect-no one is.

· Get a good night’s sleep. Getting enough sleep helps keep your body and mind in top shape, making you better equipped to deal with any negative stressors.

· Learn to relax. Reading a good book, making time for a hobby, or spending time with you pet can put you at ease and reduce stress.

· Treat your body well. Getting regular exercise helps people manage tress. And eat well to help your body get the right fuel to function at its best. Under stressful conditions, the body needs vitamins and minerals more than ever.

· Watch what you’re thingking. A healthy dose of optimism can help you make the best of stressful circumstances.

· Solve the little problems. Learning to solve everyday problems can give you a sense of control. But avoiding them can leave you feeling like you have little control and that just adds to stress.

Nice to know:

· Having a little stress can help keep you on your toes, ready to rise to a challenge.

· Stress-management skills work best when they’re applied regularly, not just when the pressure’s on.

BODY IMAGE AND SELF ESTEEM

Are you happy about your physical condition? Or do you think that you are skinny, too fat, too short, or thin? Or maybe you have this mole or scar you really want to get rid of. Whatever you think, you should know that body image is bassed on your thoughts and feelings about the way your body looks. Poor body image comes from negative thoughts and feelings about your appearance. Body image is a major factor in self-esteem, which is the way you think and feel about yourself as a person. Self-esteem can also be based on how you think other people look at you as a person. Whenever you feel low, try to remember these:

· Your body is your own, no matter what shape, size, or color it comes in. other people may say whatever they want, but they’re not the master of your body.

· You’re unique because you’re not just a copy of someone else.

· What’s inside your brain and is more important than your looks.

· Try to focus on improving your behavior and skills. Giving enough time to nourish your talents will help you to improve your unique qualities.

Nice to know:

· Treating yourself with respect and realizing that every part of you is worth caring for and protecting will help you keep a healthy attitude towards yourself.

· Building a good self-esteem can take a long time and is not always easy, but knowing that you can improve your self-esteem is the first step.

Peer Pressure

Sometimes, the problems in your life can actually come from your peers. They may pressure you into doing something you’re uncomfortable with, such as smoking shoplifting, doing drugs or drinking, or taking dangerous risks when driving a car. This pressure may be expressed openly or indirectly. Sometimes a group can make subtle signals without saying anything at all—letting you know that you must dress or talk a certain way or adopt particular attitudes toward school, other students parents, and teachers in order to win acceptance and approval. There’s no magic to standing up to peer pressure; it does take courage to deal with it. Here are some tips:

· Listen to your gut. If you feel uncomfortable. It means that something about the situation is wrong and absolutely not for you.

· Plan for possible pressure situations. Learn a few tricks to act or do certain things you want to avoid. If you’re holding a bottle of water or a can of soda at a party. For instance, you’re less likely to be offered a drink you don’t work.

· Learn to feel comfortable saying no. although it’s difficult to say no you should pratice to do it when necessary.

· Hang with people who feel the same way you do. Choose friends who will speak up with you when you’re in need of moral suppport, and be quick to speak up for a friend in the same way.

· Blame your parents. You can say, “Are you kidding? If my mom found out, she’d kill me,and her spies are everywhere.” Using your parents for a shield sometimes is helpful. Only don’t’ do it too often, or you will be labeled as a cry baby.

· If a situation seems dangerous, don’t hesitate to get an adult’s help.

Nice To Know:

· It’s not always easy to resist negative peer pressure, but when you do, it is easy to feel good about it afterwards.

· Consider yourself a leader, and know that you have the potensial to make a difference. (C’nS Volume 5 No.40)