Also Known As Self- Worth, Self-Image, Self-Respect, Self-Confidence

Self- Esteem

Also known as self- worth, self-image, self-respect, self-confidence

Definition- Self esteem is the way you feel about yourself and the opinion that you have of yourself.

A person’s self esteem is directly related to their level of well being.
Healthy self esteem can help you:
Withstand peer pressure
Try new things and get to know new people
Deal with disappointment, mistakes, and failure
Feel loved and wanted
Feel more in control of your life
Find friends who appreciate you for who you are
Maintain healthy relationships
Poor self esteem may lead you to:
Cave in to peer pressure
Avoid trying new things
Fall apart during tough times
Feel unloved and unwanted
Remain in abusive or unhealthy relationships
Be at a higher risk for depression and anxiety
How is self esteem formed?
Self esteem is primarily formed by the feedback provided to us by others and ourselves.
The way others see and treat us and how we see ourselves ever since birth!
Feedback can be verbal:
Positive examples: “Great job”, “You are a good friend”, “You are very thoughtful”
Negative examples: “You are not worth anything”, “ You stink”, You are a loser”
Feedback can be nonverbal:
Positive examples- Smiles, hugs, positive looks
Negative examples- Dirty looks, mean gestures
Feedback we provide ourselves:
Positive examples of thoughts/feelings- “I can do it”, “I deserve good things”, “ I am going to do well”
Negative examples of thoughts/feelings- “I am going to fail”, “I am fat”, “I am not good enough”
It is important to remember that we (as friends, teachers, siblings, etc) have a lot of control over the feedback we provide to others!

Bullying-To use superior strength or influence to intimidate someone, typically to force him or her to do what one wants.
Warning signs that someone could be being bullied:
Unexplainable injuries
Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
Avoidance of social situations
Self destructive behaviors
Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
Signs that someone could be bullying others:
Frequent problems at school
Blame others for their problems
Don’t accept responsibility for their actions
Have unexplained extra money or new belongings
Are increasingly aggressive
Increasingly concerned about popularity
If you know someone who is in distress or danger, don’t ignore the problem. It is important to get help right away:
Seek out help from adults (teachers, counselors, parents)
Call 911 in a physical emergency

Personality

Definition- A set of characteristics that makes you unique and sets you apart from everyone else.

Where does personality come from?
Heredity-biological passing on of traits noticed as early as infancy
Environment-activities and experiences learned through your surroundings; can have a positive and/or negative affect
Modeling-copying others
Conditioning-being rewarded/punished for pleasant/unpleasant behaviors
Socialization-learning values, interests, etc. through people who are closeto you (bullying vs. positive feedback and self-esteem)
Behavior-learning from your actions/decisions; somewhat determined by brain’s anatomical development:
The most complex part of the human body
Weighs about 3 pounds
Controls senses, behavior and movement
Amygdala
Emotions center of the brain.
Can over-rule logical part of brain when upset.
Teens rely on this for gut reactions whereas adults rely more heavily on the prefrontal cortex
Prefrontal Cortex
Front part of brain responsible for reasoning and planning.
Develops up to age25

What are some examples of personality types?

Type A vs. Type B
Type A and Type B are two broad personality types. Neither type A or B are better than the other. Being aware of your personality can help eliminate some stress in your life!
Type A- More competitive, rushed, time oriented, more “perfectionist” mentality
Type B- More flexible, less rushed, low stress
Extrovert vs. Introvert
Extrovert- Expressive, outgoing, energized by being around other people
Introvert- Energized by being alone, sometimes avoid social situations, tends to be quieter

Does the fulfillment of needs have an impact on personality?
Yes. Abraham Maslow suggests that our personalities are formed largely on the following hierarchy of needs and how well each level is fulfilled.
1st-Physical Needs (food, water, sleep, shelter, etc.)
2nd-Emotional Needs (to belong, to be loved, to feel needed, to feel safe)
3rd-Aesthetic Needs (to know, to explore a talent/skill)
4th-Self-actualization (to be the best that one can be)

How do our personalities affect our lives?
Groups of friends we associate with
College and career choices
Relationships
Social situations we choose to be a part of

Stress

Stress- what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to

Types of Stress

Distress-negative stress; produces a negative outcome

-ex. a death in the family

Eustress-positive stress; produces a positive outcome

-ex. stressing over a test that it makes you study

Acute (short-term) the body's instant response to any situation that seems demanding or dangerous; body recovers quickly but problems can occur if it happens too often or if your body doesn’t have a chance to recover.

Chronic (long-term) stress stressful situations or events that last over a long

period of time. (Ex.difficulty with your job or dealing w/ a chronic disease).

Stressor-any stimulus that produces a stress response (can be biological, environmental, cognitive,

personal behavior, life situation)

Effects of Stress

Acute Stress Symptoms

Increased heart rate
Stiff neck/tight shoulders
Back pain
Fast breathing
Sweating/Sweaty Palms
Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea
Headaches
Others?

Chronic Stress Symptoms

Immune system-more susceptible to frequent colds
Heart-high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, blood clots, hardening of the arteries; linked to coronary artery disease, heart attack, and , heart failure.
Muscles- constant tension creates muscle aches and pains and may make rheumatoid arthritis worse
Stomach-intensifies already existing problems such as reflux, ulcers, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Body Composition-obesity
Reproductive organs-low fertility, erection problems, problems during pregnancy, and painful menstrual periods.
Lungs-intensifies asthma
Skin-acne, psoriasis
Mind-cranky, unable to deal with even small problems, frustrated, short temper, jumpy/tired, difficulty focusing on small tasks, excessive worry about small things, imagining that bad things are happening or about to happen, depression, anxiety

Anxiety- an emotion that is characterized by a feeling of apprehension, nervousness, or fear

Causes:

Mental conditions such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, phobic disorders, or stress disorders
Effects of drug use
Physical Conditions
Chronic stress (stress hormones cortisol and corticotropin-releasing hormone help us respond to immediate threats., but if stress stays high instead of easing up, those hormones could boost anxiety and lead to mood disorders)
Common External Factors related to anxiety
Stress at work
Stress at school
Stress in a personal relationship
Stress with finances
Stress from emotional trauma such as a death
Stress from a medical illness

Panic attacks- intense periods of fear or feelings of doom developing over a very short time

frame -- up to 10 minutes -- and associated with at least four of the following:

Sudden overwhelming fear
Palpitations
Sweating
Trembling
Shortness of breath
Sense of choking
Chest pain
Nausea
Dizziness
A feeling of being detached from the world (de-realization)
Fear of dying
Numbness or tingling in the limbs or entire body
Chills or hot flushes

Stress Management

Ways to Avoid Stress

We are exposed to stressors all throughout our lives. We can’t avoid them, but we can try to make some changes in our lives that can help prevent stress. Here are some examples:

Stay healthy (physical, mental, emotional, etc.
Find a balance.
Have a sense of purpose.
Get enough sleep.
8.5 to 9 hrs.a day.
Get what you need.
Go to bed early. Get up early.(Every hour of sleep before midnight is worth 2 after)
Be somewhat consistent
Relax before bed
Eat a healthy diet
oranges, spinach, fatty fish, pistachios, avocados, almonds, raw veggies, milk

Don’t drink/use drugs
Exercise

Manage your time/Set Priorities
Have a support system

Assertive Communication-Its okay to say no.
Focus on the Present (“One day at a time.”)
Positive Thinking
Thought Stopping (Read/Tell below to students)
To stop unwanted thoughts, you focus on the thought and then learn to say "Stop" to end the thought. At first, you will shout "Stop!" out loud. Then you will learn to say it in your mind so that you can use this technique anywhere, or,
Put a rubber band around your wrist. Whenever you want to stop an unwanted thought, say "Stop" to yourself and snap the rubber band at the same time. After a while, you will be able to just snap the rubber band to stop an unwanted thought.
After you stop an unwanted thought, add a positive thought or image that makes you feel more calm. This thought or image is not related to the unwanted thought. For example, you can think of lying on a beach.

Some stress is inevitable. We all find ways of coping withstress. How do you cope?

Negative coping responses

Criticizing yourself (negative self-talk)
Chewing your fingernails
Eating too much or too little
Abusing substances
Yelling at your spouse, children, or friends
Avoiding social contact

Positive coping responses

Listening to music
Playing with a pet
Laughing or crying
Going out with a friend (shopping, movie, dining)
Taking a bath or shower
Writing, painting, or other creative activity
Praying or going to church
Exercising or getting outdoors to enjoy nature
Discussing situations with a spouse or close friend
Gardening or making home repairs
Stress-relieving techniques created specifically for relaxing the body/mind
Breathing exercises (deep breathing)
Progressive muscle relaxation
Yoga
Meditation
Creative Visualization
Guided Imagery

Mental Disorders

A mental disorder- illness of the mind that can affect the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a person, preventing him or her from leading a happy, healthful, and productive life.

Autism belongs to a group of developmental disabilities called autism spectrum disorders. The name "spectrum " stems from the fact that these disorders affect each child differently. These disorders involve delays in the development of many basic skills, including the abilities to socialize or form relationships with others and to communicate effectively. Children with autism may also have intellectual disabilities and behavioral challenges.

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a condition that affects the areas of the brain that help us to control impulses, concentrate, and organize.

Generalized anxiety disorder (or GAD) is characterized by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for worry.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASP disorder) is a mental illness that usually becomes apparent during adolescence, before the age of fifteen. Symptoms usually include antisocial behavior in which there is little concern for the rights of others such as indifference to the moral or legal standards of the region or community.

Alzheimer's disease damages the brain. It causes a steady loss of memory and of how well you can speak, think, and carry on daily activities.

Bipolar disorder is a complex genetic disorder. The mood swings associated with it alternate from major, or clinical, depression to mania or extreme elation.

Clinical depression: when feelings of intense sadness -- including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless last for many days to weeks and keep you from functioning normally.

Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are psychological disorders that involve extreme disturbances in eating behavior.

Anorexia nervosa, also called anorexia, is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder that is characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.
Bulimia nervosa, also called bulimia, is a psychological eating disorder that is characterized by episodes of binge eating (consuming a large quantity of food in one sitting) followed by inappropriate methods of weight control, such as vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, or compulsive exercising.

Obsessive-compulsive (OCD): OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense, recurrent, unwanted thoughts and rituals that are beyond the person's control.

10.Panic disorder: An anxiety illness characterized by attacks of anxiety or terror, often, but not always, occurring unexpectedly and without reason

11.Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive neurological disease that affects a small area of nerve cells in an area of the brain known as the substantia nigra. Parkinson's disease causes these nerve cells to die, and as a result, body movements are affected.

12.Phobia: an extreme fear of a specific object or situation that is not harmful under usual conditions.

13.Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Condition in which a person who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event feels severe and long-lasting aftereffects.

14.Schizophrenia: a serious brain disorder that distorts the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality, and relates to others

Suicide

The tragedy of a young person dying because of overwhelming hopelessness or frustration is devastating to family, friends, and community. Parents, siblings, classmates, coaches, and neighbors might be left wondering if they could have done something to prevent that young person from turning to suicide.

Learning more about factors that might lead an adolescent to suicide may help prevent further tragedies. Even though it's not always preventable, it's always a good idea to be informed and take action to help a troubled teenager.

Which Teens are at risk?

Young people with mental health problems —such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or insomnia — are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts.
Teens going through major life changes (parents' divorce, moving, a parent leaving home due to military service or parental separation, financial changes)
Those who are victims of bullying are at greater risk of suicidal thoughts

Factors that increase the risk of suicide among teenagers include

a psychological disorder, especially depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug use (in fact, approximately 95% of people who die by suicide have a psychological disorder at the time of death)
feelings of distress, irritability, or agitation
feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness that often accompany depression
a previous suicide attempt
drug and alcohol abuse
a family history of depression or suicide
emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of social isolation
dealing with bisexuality or homosexuality in an unsupportive family or community or hostile school environment
loss of a loved one (death, divorce, break-up)

Warning Signs

talk about suicide or death in general
give hints that they might not be around anymore
talk about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty
pull away from friends or family
write songs, poems, or letters about death, separation, and loss
start giving away treasured possessions to siblings or friends
lose the desire to take part in favorite things or activities
have trouble concentrating or thinking clearly
experience changes in eating or sleeping habits
engage in risk-taking behaviors
lose interest in school or sports

What can I do if I am noticing warning signs in someone I know?

Listen and show empathy
Take the person seriously
Talk openly and freely
Advise professional help
Tell them that suicide is not the answer
Make sure no weapons/drugs are available
Do not leave the person alone
Do not make the promise, “I’ll keep it a secret.”
Do not take the burden entirely upon your shoulders alone. Find someone to help you, help them.
Call a hotline

TEEN SUICIDE…… “A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem”

Cutting

Coping mechanism for dealing with strong emotion
Cutting is the act of intentionally inflicting harm on oneself.
Cutting isn’t a suicide attempt.
It is most common on the hands, wrists, stomach, and thighs.

5 Stages of Grief:

1. Denial–Denial is usually only a temporary defense for the individual.

2. Anger–Once in the second stage, the individual recognizes that denial cannot continue.

3. Bargaining–The third stage involves the hope that the individual can somehow postpone

or delay death.

4.Depression–It is an important time for grieving that must be processed.

5. Acceptance–In this last stage, the individual begins to come to terms with their mortality

or that of their loved one

Many people do not experience the stages in the order listed below, which is okay. The key to understanding the stages is not to feel like you must go through every one of them, in precise order. Instead, its’ more helpful to look at them as guides in the grieving process—it helps you understand and put into context where you are.

Professional Help for Mental Health Problems

Psychologist – diagnoses and treats mental disorders through various types of therapy
Psychiatrist – medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental disorders and can prescribe medicine
Neurologist – Physician who is trained to investigate, diagnose and treat neurological disorders; performs surgery
Counselor – Professionals who have a degree in working with young people and helping them in personal or educational matters
Social Worker – One who concentrates on psychiatric casework and provides a link between the medical service center and the client and his/her family