OUR LADY OF GRACE SCHOOL

Manzon, San Carlos City, Pangasinan

S.Y. 2022-2023

“EVERY LEARNER MATTERS, EVERY MOMENT COUNTS”

QUARTER 2: LEARNING MODULE # 2

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 11
Grade 11

LESSON 7 MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL BEING IN MIDDLE AND LATE ADOLESCENCE

According to the US National Institutes of Health, "mental health includes our emotional,
psychological, and social well being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also
helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important
at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood."

The 1999 US Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health defined mental health as "successful
performance of mental function, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other
people, and the ability to change and to cope with adversity"

The World Health Organization's (WHO) World Health Report released in 2001 stated that "mental
health is defined differently by different experts from different cultures. Concepts of mental health
include the following:

Concepts of mental health

1. Subjective Well-Being

This may be defined as one's personal (subjective) thoughts and feelings about one's overall state of
being. Mental health denotes positive and healthy interpretations of a person's self-concept, and how
a person feels about himself. Good mental health is tied to the individual's self-concept and emotions
about him. A person with a healthy self-concept or self-identity exudes charm and confidence, is
usually sociable, productive, and can maintain healthy relationships. A positive warm regard for
oneself serves a foundation of mental health.

A negative self-concept will have a negative effect on one's mental health and well-being. For
example, if a person perceives herself as unattractive, she will start feeling inadequate and will
compare herself with others. She will feel jealous and anxious, and might even end up having
paranoid thoughts that people are avoiding her or talking behind her back. The anxiety and
unhappiness this person experiences will then affect her behavior such as having fits of anger, loss of
interest in her studies, shunning away people, and ending up being alone and miserable. These types
of thinking, feelings, and behavior can trigger mental disorders if not properly addressed immediately.

2. Perceived Self-Efficacy

Self-efficacy is one's perception of one's value and worth, effectiveness, and ability in performing a
task or activity. Mental health and well-being is also anchored on one's self-worth and value or self-
esteem. A person with a low self-esteem may exhibit types of behavior that are self-destructive or
self-sabotaging. Low self-esteem produces thoughts that say one is not worthy of being loved or not
adequate enough to be somebody's friend. This thought then produces emotions such as anger or
hopelessness, pushing the person to certain risky behaviors like drug or alcohol addiction, sexual
promiscuity, social isolation, extreme emotional swings, unhealthy dependency on others, and mental
disorder. On the other hand, a person with a healthy self-concept will move toward self-fulfillment and
self-actualization, have healthy relationships, and live happier and fulfilling lives.

3. Autonomy

Autonomy deals with one's capacity to separate one's identity from other significant persons like
parents, lovers, and special friends. Autonomy is the capacity for self-direction and having a clearly
defined role identity. It is crucial to have autonomy since this defines how a person interacts with
other people and the environment. Expectations are clarified and adjusted according to the role an
individual takes, and this can result in better appreciation of the in terms of relationships either at
work, at play, of with the family. Lack of autonomy, on the other hand, can lead to co-dependence
among those who cannot define themselves as separate entities from people they depend on either
emotionally, physically, socially. spiritually, or even financially. This can also lead to relational
conflicts as some people stay away from overly dependent or "clingy, needy" individuals.

4. Competence

Competence is related to self-esteem and self-identity. Competence is the perception of one's

capacity to effectively perform a function or activity using specific skills and knowledge, and achieving
the desired results at a given time. Responsibility is a major underlying factor for competence. An
individual who is competent will always assume full responsibility for the actions and results of his
behavior. Because competence is gained through time, a competent individual produces trust with
those he or she deals with. The ability to accept changes and being resilient is also part of being
competent. A competent person will adapt to the changes that can happen while he is in the thick of
things, understand why such changes happen, and will adjust his actions and attitude according to
the new demands that those changes bring.

5. Intergenerational Independence

Intergenerational independence refers to the relationships between individuals who belong to different
generations but may be living separately as independent, autonomous persons during a specific
period of time. An example of this which is very common among Filipinos is the relationship between
parents and their grown-up children. When the children have all grown up, are pursuing their own
dreams, and are forming their own "nests," their parents, who may be retired by then, are usually left
at home. This phenomenon is referred to as the "empty nest." However, with healthy relationships
between family members, older parents will often be by their children (and grandchildren) during
weekends or during special occasions to celebrate and be in touch. Cultural differences will have
different variations of how the members of society practice intergenerational independence. In the
USA, sending old parents to retirement homes is still practiced. However, there is also a trend today
of children providing care to their ageing parents while maintaining their own independence.

Today's technology has helped intergenerational independence thrive as it closes the gap of time and
space so that even physically separated family members can still be in touch easily. This is true
particularly among Filipino households that have members working abroad.

6. Self-Actualization of One's Intellectual and Emotional Potential

Maslow's pyramid of human hierarchy of needs places self-actualization at the peak. This means that
once a person fulfills his or her physiological needs, security and safety needs, emotional and social
needs. and self-esteem needs, the next need to be fulfilled is self-actualization. The fulfillment of
these needs does not have to be in sequence or progression. One person's need for love may be
stronger than the need for security. Self-actualization is about fulfilling one's perceived potentials,
becoming the person that one has always aspired for.

Maslow identified the key characteristics of self-actualized individuals: they have acceptance of their
reality, and have compassion to help solve problems of other people and society in general. They are
spontaneous with their thoughts and behavior, and are open to change. They have a strong need for
privacy and solitude as they continue to strive in fulfilling their potentials. They are highly appreciative
of events and people and maintain their awe and wonder of the things around them. They may often
experience peak experiences of intense joy and happiness which gene rate inspiration and strength.
Individuals who are self actualizing nurture good mental health and well-being.

The model includes what is referred to as the five life tasks:

1. essence or spirituality
2. work and leisure
3. friendship
4. love
5. self-direction

Related to these five tasks are twelve sub-tasks as major components of wellness or well-being that
comprise the Wheel of Wellness espoused by Myers, Witmer, and Sweeney in 2000. These are:

1. sense of worth
2. sense of control
3. realistic beliefs
4. emotional awareness and coping
5. problem solving and creativity
6. sense of humor
7. nutrition
8. physical exercise
9. self-care
10. stress management
11. gender identity
12. cultural identity (Note: This may or may not apply to every Filipino, but we do have cultural and
regional differences that need to be understood and accepted.)

It is important that the five tasks are balanced in terms of time spent on each one, and of course, on
the amount of energy one gives to fulfilling each of the tasks. The 12 sub-tasks are more of what one
needs to own and practice to achieve mental health and well-being.

In addition to the above components, maintaining good mental health and well-being requires
resiliency and adaptability, two important skills that need to be developed in every person particularly
the adolescent. Resiliency is the capacity to establish and maintain one's balance and well-being in
the face of adversity. It is the ability to get back on one's feet after a disaster or a crisis. Adaptability,
on the other hand, is the capacity to adjust to changes necessary for one's survival and balance.

We have read in the previous chapters how important it is to have a healthy self-concept and how
much of our self-identity and self-esteem are anchored on it. Having a positive regard for oneself
means looking at oneself as someone who is worth loving and worth caring for, regardless of physical
flaws and defects, regardless of what other people perceive him to be, and in spite of the thoughts,
feelings, and behavior one experiences. It is about understanding and accepting one's personality,
uniqueness, and individuality.

Having a positive warm regard for oneself is also about seeing one's strengths, challenges and
successes, as well as the stumbling blocks that come along the way in one's search for meaning and
happiness.
Having a wonderful self-concept is about having a spirituality that provides philosophical and
existential meaning to one's life, and about one's relationship with his perceived Supreme Being.
Having a healthy self-concept is also about embracing meaningful universal human values that define
who you are, and how these values form your set of healthy attitudes about other people, situations,
and things. From this healthy self-concept flows the desired virtues that are manifested in one's
behavior The bedrock of a healthy self-concept, however, is a high sense of self-worth or self-esteem.

Good Physical Health Is Good for Mental Health

The World Health Organization clearly noted that poor mental health plays a significant role in
diminished immune functioning and the development of certain illnesses, and eventually premature
death.
One's physical health is also an important factor to good mental health. Sleep and nutrition, for
example, should be given importance and properly observed by an adolescent whose tendency is to
take these things for granted. An individual who is deprived of sleep, for example, will be cranky, will
have a short temper, will sometimes become emotionally sensitive, and will also have bad memory.
Physically, the individual deprived of sleep may develop skin rashes or acne, have dark circles
around the eyes, and may even develop bad posture because of feeling weak or sluggish and having
low energy. People around this person will take notice and might even get affected by certain
behavior a sleep-deprived person exhibit.

Healthy Self-Concept + Healthy Mind and Body = Good Mental Health and Well-Being
A healthy self-concept plus a healthy mind and body are one's guarantee to good mental health.
When all of these elements are in balance, then general well-being is experienced. Well-being is a
state of wellness where every aspect of a person is in balance. Being well and feeling well means that
there is a general sense of contentment, happiness, calmness, and peace within.

Developing one's good mental health and well-being is very important to the adolescent because this
serves as a strong foundation toward a happy and healthy adulthood.

A mental health problem is a short term and temporary in a person's thoughts, feelings, or behavior
that upsets one's well-being, interpersonal relationships, and productivity. Mental illness, on the other
hand, refers to diagnosable mental disorders characterized by changes in one's thinking, feeling, and
behavior, as well as in one's relationships and productivity. There is usually distress or impaired
functioning during mental illness (Knopf, Park, and Muyle 2008).

Common Mental Health Issues

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders cause people to respond to certain objects or situations with fear and panic. These
disorders at their most extreme would cause person to have a panic attack and other manifestations
of this fear. Some anxiety disorders are more commonly known as phobias, such as arachnophobia
(fear of spiders), agoraphobia (fear of public places), acrophobia (fear of heights), and claustrophobia
(fear of tight spaces) among others.

Mood disorders

One of the more problematic forms of mental health issues is illness that has to do with a person's
mood, particularly depression. This problematic because people who suffer depression are more
susceptible to commit suicide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that almost 1 million
lives are lost to suicide every year. This means that suicide is even a greater risk than the
combination of homicides, wars, and acts of terrorism.

Eating disorders

Because of societal pressures regarding being thin as the standard of beauty, some individuals are
prone to have some eating disorders. Some common illnesses associated with eating disorders are
anorexia and bulimia. Anorexia is an extreme fear of gaining weight; it causes persons who have this
disorder to be unnaturally thin. Bulimia is also a harmful disorder because it involves purging or
vomiting the food that a person eats in order to remain thin.

Impulse control and addiction

Addiction is a serious issue that relates to one's mental health. It is one's inability to control impulses
and urges. Some individuals become addicted to different forms of vices, such as alcohol and illegal
drugs. Some are not able to control their harmful activities, such as stealing (kleptomania) or
engaging in compulsive gambling. Whatever their problems are, people who develop addiction
endanger their relationships because of their behavior.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Sometimes, people use the term OC, or obsessive compulsive, to refer to their being Obsessive
perfectionists to the last detail. There is nothing wrong with this personality trait; but when it is
elevated to the next level, you are already talking about a person having an Compulsive Disorder, or
OCD. People with OCD are plagued by certain fears which cause them to perform rituals or routines
that may be thought of as highly unnecessary (such as of hands many times a day because of their
fear of germs).

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

When people experience a traumatic situation, they tend to hold on to negative emotions and
memories about that said event. They become afraid of anything that reminds them of the horror that
they have experienced. Some examples of PTSD are when a person who has gotten into a car
accident avoids riding cars, or when a super typhoon survivor becomes scared of all forms of
thunderstorms. PTSD is also common for those in military after they come back from a war zone.

Adolescents who face the challenges brought about by their situation have options to good mental
health and well being. In addition to what have been discussed, enhancing one's social skills,
problem solving skills, and self-confidence can also help prevent mental health problems. It is very
important for an adolescent who may be facing serious difficulties at home or in school to have a
reliable adult to talk to. The home is an ideal place for solace and comfort. Parents and siblings can
offer guidance, as well as love and care to an adolescent who may need it. Schools also provide such
services through the Guidance Counselor. Peer groups can also provide the support needed by an
adolescent in distress. Other professional help is also made available through organizations offering
hotline services.

Finally, there are five popular steps to improve mental health and well-being being propositioned
around the world. Borrowing from the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, the five
steps are:

1.Connect - with the people around you: your family, friends, classmates, schoolmates, and
neighbors. Spend time developing these relationships.

2.Be Active - physical activity generates a positive sense of wellness. Engage in some sports or
physical activity like playing basketball, badminton, bowling, biking, or swimming. Take a walk if you
do not have enough time for some sports. It is important to find an activity you can enjoy and
integrate in your daily life.

3.Keep Learning - learning new skills or obtaining new knowledge can give you a sense of
achievement and a new confidence. Some recommend doing something new every day. It can be a
short program in cooking or baking, joining an acting or writing workshop, learning to play a musical
instrument, or fixing a car problem.

4. Give to Others - giving to others is not limited to money or other material things. A smile or a warm
and sincere greeting or thank you can brighten up the day for both the giver and receiver. Social
involvement such as volunteering during disasters or helping out in your communities is also good for
developing mental health.

5. Take Notice - be in the here and now, be in the present moment, be aware of what is happening
around you, your own thoughts and feelings, and the physical sensations that you experience. This
awareness is also referred to as "mindfulness," and being mindful can positively change the way you
feel about life and how you approach challenges.

ACTIVITY:

Identify the following statement.

_____1. It is one's perception of one's value and worth, effectiveness, and ability in performing a task
or activity.

____ 2. This may be defined as one's personal (subjective) thoughts and feelings about one's overall
state of being.

____ 3. It is the perception of one's capacity to effectively perform a function or activity using specific
skills and knowledge, and achieving the desired results at a given time.
____ 4. It refers to the relationships between individuals who belong to different generations but may
be living separately as independent, autonomous persons during a specific period of time.

____ 5. It is the capacity to establish and maintain one's balance and well-being in the face of
adversity.

____ 6. It is the capacity to adjust to changes necessary for one's survival and balance.

____ 7. It is an eating disorder that has an extreme fear of gaining weight.

____ 8. It is also a harmful disorder because it involves purging or vomiting the food that a person
eats in order to remain thin.
____ 9. These disorders at their most extreme would cause person to have a panic attack and other
manifestations of this fear.

____ 10. It is one's inability to control impulses and urges. Some are not able to control their harmful
activities, such as stealing (kleptomania) or engaging in compulsive gambling.

11-15. Explain the statement “Good Physical Health Is Good for Mental Health”