Personal Development

2. Adolescence is said to be the crucial stage in
human development that needs utmost
parental care, guidance, and empathy. It is a
transitional period where you develop not
only physically but also mentally and
psychologically. Hence, changes are
inevitable and one must face them.

3. Magpantay and Danao (2016), from the 1999 Surgeon
General’s Report on Mental Health, defined mental health
as “successful performance of the mental function,
resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships
with other people, and the ability to change and to cope
with adversity.”
Mental Illness refers to diagnosable mental disorders
characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior
with distress and impaired functioning.

4. Most Mental health problems diagnosed in adulthood
begin in adolescence.
Half of the lifetime diagnosable mental health disorders
start by age 14, this number increases to three-fourths by
age 24.
The most common disorder among adolescents include
depression, anxiety disorder, attention-deficit/
hyperactivity disorder, and substance use disorder.

13. Stress- is a state of mental tension and worry
caused by problems in one’s life, work, and
many others that causes intense feelings of
worry and anxiety.

14. 2 Categories of stress
Eustress- is positive stress for it is helpful-it motivates
the individual to keep on working and reach the goal.
Distress- is negative stress because it could give
harmful implications for the individual, such as
anxiety and depression: discourage the individual
from becoming productive; and could cause
emotional, physical, and psychological problems.

15. Stressors- The situation and pressures that causes
stress.
-anything that puts high demands.
Ex. Getting married, buying a house, going to college,
or receiving a promotion.

16. Kinds of Stressors
Cataclysmic Events- are strong stresses that suddenly
occur and may simultaneously affect many people (
Feldman 2010).
 Natural disasters like typhoons, global warming
effects, and earthquakes.
 Man-made troubles such as terrorist attacks, ship
or plane crashes, and bombings.

17. Kinds of Stressors
Personal stressors- refer to conditions, events,
situations, r anything that causes stress to an
individual.
 It could be positive or negative stressors such as
marrying, the death of a loved one, getting a new
job or job loss, starting and ending class,
transferring to new schools, leaving old friends,
and many others.
 Stress occurs when the individual is experiencing
frustration, pressure, or conflict.

18. Kinds of Stressors
Background stressors- are also referred to as
displeasures that could be encountered every day,
such as standing in a long line while waiting for a
train, being struck by heavy traffic, noise, and
pollution of the environment.
 Dissatisfaction with school or a job, being in an
unhappy relationship or living in crowded quarters
without privacy.

19. Common effects of stress
On your body On your mood On your behavior
Headache Anxiety Overeating or undereating
Muscle tension or pain Restlessness Angry outburst
Chest pain Lack of motivation or focus Drug or alcohol misuse
Fatigue Feeling overwhelmed Tobacco use
Change in sex drive Irritability or anger Social withdrawal
Stomach upset Sadness or depression Exercising less often

20. Strategies to cope/avoid stress
Become attuned to your body and emotions-
become aware of your body and its reactions. Permit
yourself to feel several different emotions, but also
learn strategies to pull yourself out of a fall.
Remember that you have the power to change
negative, hurtful thoughts and to create positive
habits.

21. Strategies to cope/avoid stress
Exercise regularly- experts say that exercise is one of
the best ways to minimize stress, loosen up the
muscles, and promote a sense of well-being.
Dispute negative thoughts- negative thinking can
lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy; if you say you are
going to fail, you probably will. You can change these
negative thoughts to confident, optimistic, and
positive thoughts and actions.

22. Strategies to cope/avoid stress
Rest and generate your mind, body, and spirit- You do not have
to practice a particular type of meditation; just create a time for
yourself when your mind is free to rest and quiet itself.
Use breathing methods- Deep breathing reduces stress and
energizes the body.
Develop hobbies and interests- Hobbies can release stress.
Sports, painting, reading, and collecting can add a sense of fun
and meaning to your life.

23. Strategies to cope/avoid stress
Create a support system- The support and comfort of family and
friends can help you clear your mind, sort out the confusion and
make better decisions. A group of people with similar
experiences and goals can give you a sense of security, personal
fulfillment, and motivation.
Develop a sense of humor- Nothing reduces stress like a hearty
laugh or spontaneous fun.

24. Strategies to cope/avoid stress
Plan; do not worry-Leading a disorganized life is stressful. Write
down what has to be done each day; never rely on your memory.
Be assertive- Assertive communication helps you solve
problems, rather than build resentment and anger, and
increases your confidence and control over your life.

25. Strategies to cope/avoid stress
Keep a journal- Writing a journal also helps clarify your
concerns and decisions and can give you a fresh perspective.
Get professional help- with a counselor’s guidance, you can gain
insight into your reaction to stress and modify your perception
and behavior.