Personal

Development
Lesson 7: Mental Health and
Well-being in Middle and Late
Adolescence
 Your inability to positively cope with
such changes, demands, or expectations
may affect your psychological well-being
and even cause mental health problems.
Psychological well-being refers to an
individual's state or condition that is free
from mental or emotional disorders.
Teenagers who manifest this condition are
free from distressing thoughts and
emotions and can flexibly adapt to
changing situations. On the contrary,
failure to positively cope with stress may
lead to mental disorders such as eating
disorders, anxiety disorders, and
personality disorders.
Psychological Well-being
 Different Types of Mental Disorders
*Eating Disorders
*Anxiety Disorders
*Major Depressive Disorder
*Bipolar Disorder
*Conduct Disorder
*Personality Disorders
*Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
*Substance-related Disorders
*Computer Addiction
 Eating Disorders
• Eating Disorders are characterized by persistent disturbance of eating that result in
altered consumption or absorption of food and significantly impair physical health
or psychological function. Eating disorders are common among adolescents and are
associated with dissatisfaction with one’s body due to distorted body image.
Eating disorders may include:
 Anorexia Nervosa- may experience intense fear of gaining weight, disturbed body
image, refusal to maintain normal body weight, and dangerous measure to lose
weight.
 Bulimia Nervosa- involves overeating, and it is followed by efforts to induce
vomiting, fasting, and excessive exercise.
 Binge-eating- involves an overindulgence of food, but it is not followed by efforts
to induce vomiting, fasting, and excessive exercise.
 Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders include phobic disorder, panic disorder,
and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which are all characterized by
excessive fear, anxiety, and related behavioral disturbance.
According to DSM 5, anxiety disorders differ from one another in
the types of objects or situations that induce fear, anxiety, or
avoidance behavior.
Phobic anxiety is accompanied by physical symptoms such as trembling
and palpitations (Rapee and Barlow, 2001). Adolescents are said to be
experiencing phobia when their fears seriously obstruct everyday activities
(Weiten et al., 2009).
Panic attacks are characterized by an abrupt surge of intense fear or
discomfort (DSM 5, 2013). Physical symptoms such as fainting, sweating,
palpitations, chest pain, and dizziness are manifestations of anxiety disorders.
Also, adolescents with anxiety disorders have a fear of “going crazy."
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, on the other hand, is manifested when one
experiences persistent, uncontrollable intrusions of unwanted thoughts (obsessions)
and urges to engage in senseless rituals (compulsions) (Weiten et al., 2009).
 Major Depressive Disorder
Persons with major depressive disorder are characterized by hopelessness, lack of energy in their usual
activities, crying for unexplained reasons, and low self-blame and hurt themselves. They experience loss of interest
in their activities, cannot make decisions, and tend to blame and hurt themselves. The Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental IV (2013) stated that if five or more of the following symptoms have been present during the
same two-week period, an individual may be diagnosed with major depressive disorder following are the diagnostic
criteria:
1. Depressed mood most of the day
2. Diminished interest in all or almost all of the activities of the day
3. Significant weight loss or weight gain
4. Insomnia or hypersomia
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
6. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive and inappropriate guilt
8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate
9. Recurrent thoughts of death, suicide ideation, or suicide attempt
 Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is formerly called manic-depressive
disorder. Individuals who suffer from this disorder
experience both depression and manic periods (Weiten et al.,
2009). As such, individuals with bipolar disorder are observed
with very high levels of energy, exaggerated plans, and very
optimistic views. They are said to be hyperactive and may
even work without sleeping for days. More so, they tend to
talk very fast and have overflowing ideas in their minds. They
feel challenged in doing their plans and may feel obsessed
about certain projects. However, they are observed to be
impulsive and sexually reckless, and they may even have
impaired judgment. Studies (Kalidindi and McGuffin, 2003)
indicate that both biological and psychological factors have
contributed to the development of this disorder.
 Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is characterized by repeated
pattern of behaviors in which the basic rights of
others are violated. At times, persons with conduct
disorder are even violating policies, rules, and
regulations. Such behaviors that already violate the
law may result in illegal acts. Teenagers who have
this disorder are commonly labeled as delinquents
(Santrock, 2012). Juvenile delinquency refers to
any illegal act by a minor, and it emphasizes the
criminal as well as the legal aspects of the behavior
(Dacey and Kenny, 1997).
 Personality Disorders
Personality disorder is an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that
deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual's culture, is pervasive and
inflexible, has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, is stable over time, and leads to
distress or impairment. Adolescents who suffer from personality disorders usually display
deviant behaviors and may be oversensitive or insensitive, rigid, and self-centered, or
they may have extravagant illusions. DSM 5 classified and defined personality disorders
into the following categories:

1. Paranoid personality disorder. Individuals with this type of disorder usually demonstrate a pattern of distrust
and suspiciousness on the motives of the people around them. They usually think that others are thinking of
hurting them, and these thoughts cause fears.
2. Antisocial personality disorder. This is manifested by the individual's disregard or violation of the rights of
others. They do not care if their behaviors may harm others, but they will do and get whatever they want even at
the expense of others.
3. Histrionic personality disorder. This disorder is manifested by individuals who show excessive emotionality
and attention-seeking behaviors. At times, they will cry for no apparent reason just to express their feelings. Also,
they will talk or act like a baby just to be able to get attention from others.
4. Narcissistic personality disorder. Individuals with this type of disorder exhibit a
pattern of grandiosity. They are self-centered or think of themselves only, and their
need for admiration is very strong. Also, they lack empathy or the ability to put
themselves into the situation of others; thus, it is difficult for them to understand the
needs and feelings of others.
5. Avoidant personality disorder. This disorder is evident when individuals show a
pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative
evaluation. Thus, they prefer to be alone and try to avoid social activities because of
their fear of being judged or negatively evaluated by others.
6. Dependent personality disorder. This is manifested when individuals demonstrate a
pattern of submissive and clinging behavior related to an excessive need to be taken
care of. Thus, adolescents who suffer from this personality disorder usually cannot
work alone, feel helpless when unattended by someone, and may demand someone to
be always at their side.

7. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. This disorder is manifested by a pattern of preoccupation with

orderliness, perfectionism, and control. Thus, adolescents who experience this disorder may be overly sensitive
to the cleanliness of their room. To illustrate, even a single strand of hair would cause irritation; they may not be
able to study in their room when things are disorganized.
 Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic
Disorders
Schizophrenia means "split mind" (Comer, 2013). It is a
psychotic disorder usually characterized by the deterioration in
personal, social, and occupational functioning due to bizarre
emotions and abnormal perceptions. According to DSM 5,
schizophrenic and psychotic disorders are defined by
abnormalities in one or more of the following: delusions,
hallucinations, disorganized thinking (speech), and abnormal
motor behavior. Thus, persons with schizophrenic and
psychotic disorders usually manifest odd thoughts, unusual
interpretation of experiences, disturbed emotions, and motor
abnormalities. Adolescents who experience this type of disorder
experience loss of contact with reality, or the so-called
psychosis. More so, they cannot interpret and respond properly
to their environment; hence their relationship at home, at
school, and even at work are affected.
 Substance-related Disorders
 A drug is a substance such as alcohol, caffeine, marijuana, and tobacco, whose chemical
action alters the biological and psychological functioning of the person. Changes in one's
cognition, emotions, and behavior may result if there is an excessive use of substances.
 Drug dependency or addiction is manifested when an individual can no longer control his
or her drug or substance intake. Thus, they feel the need to take drugs or substances every
day and may not be able to function without taking them.
 Drug abuse, on the other hand, is evident when the individual relies on drugs excessively,
which affects his or her relationship with the family, efficiency at work, or even capacity
to decide realistically.
 Tolerance is a concept commonly associated with substance
abuse. It is the individual's capacity to use the substance
repeatedly by small doses and later larger doses to produce the
desired effects (Sevilla, 2000).
 Computer Addiction
Computer addiction is characterized by an
excessive use of the computer or the Internet.
Computer addicts are preoccupied with online
activities and may demonstrate compulsive behaviors
in using the computer or the Internet. They find it
difficult to control or regulate themselves in using the
Internet or the computer, their addiction already
interferes with their usual daily activities such as
going to school, attending to personal needs such as
eating, and taking a bath. This addiction may even
affect social relationships at home and at school.
Threats to Psychological Well-
being

Adolescents like you may be prone to any

of the disorders previously described if
you are not aware of the possible threats
that may contribute to the development of
such disorders. These threats can include:
• Family situations,
• Environmental/ Socioeconomic
factors,
• School-related problems such as
bullying and peer pressure.
 Family Situations
 Parents who often fight in front of kids may have lasting effects even as
they reach adolescence. This situation becomes very stressful because
there may be times when the parent's anger is displaced toward them.
 Also, one social phenomenon today is the temporary separation of a
family member, usually a parent, due to overseas employment. Some
teenagers whose both parents work abroad find it difficult to adjust with
home- and school-related concerns.
 Further, marital breakup has been associated with a higher incidence of
antisocial behavior among boys in the classroom. Students from
nonintact families miss school, are tardy, and cut class about 30 percent
more often than students from intact homes.
 Last, children growing up without their own married parents are prone
to higher rates of stress, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem during
the teenage years.
 Socioeconomic Factors
If you look closely at your surroundings, you may notice that aside from
the heavy traffic and pollution, there are a number of street children nowadays
begging for food or money. Some of them may even enter the jeepney that
you're riding in and clean your shoes, and then asking for money after. These
incidents show that poverty is prevalent in our country, and that there are a
number of teenagers who cannot attend school because of their economic
condition. Some of them are forced to work to help their families.
Poverty is associated with mental health and well-being. In a study
conducted by (WHO), common mental disorders are about twice as frequent
among the poor as among the rich. This implies that because of poverty, some
families do not have money to buy food and medicine. The lack of money due
to the unavailability of jobs may contribute to poor mental conditions. More
so, an individual who suffers from mental health problems are not properly
treated because of the lack of money.
 School Related Factors
• Bullying
Nowadays, bullying is a common concern among students. Some
schools have even implemented an anti-bullying program to promote
safety at school.
 
• Republic Act 10627 or the Anti-bullying Act of 2013
States that "bullying shall refer to any severe or repeated use by
one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a
physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another
student that has the effect of actually causing or placing the latter in
reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his
property, creating a hostile environment at school for the other
student; infringing on the rights of the other student materially and
substantially disrupting the education process or the orderly Operation
of a school."
How do we know that an act is
already considered a form of
bullying?
 First, there should be a deliberate act to
hurt someone.
 Second, bullies target single individuals
for bad treatment like those who come
from the province.
 Third, the act of teasing is done
repeatedly.
 Fourth, the bullies know that the persons
being bullied cannot defend themselves.
• Bullying may have psychological effects
to both the victims and the bullies.
 Victims may become less connected with their peers
because they lose trust with others; hence they
develop poorer relationships with peers. Victims may
experience loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and even
depression. Also, they may take less part in
extracurricular activities and may have a decreased
motivation to study.
 On the other hand, bullies also experience
psychological problems such as high levels of anger
and depression, decreased academic achievement,
loneliness, and isolation. Just like the victims, they
may take less part in extracurricular activities and
may experience a decreased motivation to study.
• Peer Pressure
At some point in our life, we all experience pressure from our peers.
But peer pressure is very common during our academic years. We are
sometimes forced to follow a certain group just to be accepted. Hence,
we allow others to influence our decisions or actions.
• Peer pressure can be something positive or negative.
 To illustrate, it becomes a positive one when you see a group of
classmates studying very hard for the exam and you feel pressured to
study as well, because you are afraid that you might get the lowest
grade in the exam.
 On the contrary, when you are influenced to do something that you
know is wrong, then negative peer pressure occurs. If you are not
aware of negative peer pressure, you might get lost and become
victims of alcoholism, drug addiction, teenage pregnancy for girls,
bullying, and school failure.
 Prevention of Mental Health Problems
Stress is inevitable and may even cause mental health problems. However, if you develop
strategies in dealing with various challenges during adolescence, mental disorders can be prevented.
Enhancing Self-Esteem
• Self-esteem means self-worth. Your assessment of your importance as a person refers to self-
esteem. Adolescents with high self-esteem are confident, optimistic, feel good about themselves,
and find ways on how to continuously improve themselves.
Enhancing Social Skills
• People are social beings. As such, we need to enhance our social skills, or our to relate more
effectively with others. Good social skills may help you convey your ideas well so that others may
understand your point of view.
Enhancing Resilience
• Resilience is your capacity to recover from an unpleasant experience. Resilient individuals can
bounce back or return to their original condition after a life-changing experience such as an illness,
death of a loved one, or an accident.
Here are some techniques on how to
enhance resilience:
1. Establish connections. Having a good relationship with your
family, friends, and peers may help you overcome challenges. Asking
help and support from them are important, especially if you feel
confused and you need enlightenment.
2. Accept the reality that nothing is permanent in this world. Change
is not easy. You must accept that change is part of growing up.
3. Love and take care of yourself. Accepting and loving yourself for
who you are is important to achieve something or to overcome trials.
Engage in healthy activities such as sports, exercise, or other
activities that you find relaxing or that you enjoy.
4. Be more optimistic. You have to trust yourself that you can solve
whatever problems you have.
5. Strengthen your problem-solving abilities. Your capacity to solve
problems is a positive sign of recovering from unpleasant situations.
Harrington (2013) identified ways on how to promote positive
relationships with others.
1. Promote good feelings through positive reciprocity. We feel good when we are appreciated. The same feelings
are also experienced by others when you affirm and appreciate their good qualities.
2. Show empathy. Empathy is your ability to put yourself in the shoes of others. Empathy is communicated by your
capacity to truly listen not only to the words spoken but even to the feelings of other people.
3. Clarify boundaries and set people limitations. Your ability to say “no” in a non- aggressive manner is one way
of defining your limits.
4. Learn to negotiate. Being able to negotiate or “bargain” is one way of resolving different points of views without
losing or sacrificing your own ideas.
5. Express gratitude. When you are thankful or appreciative, allows you to articulate the positive actions of others.
6. Practice forgiveness. Being more forgiving helps you look at the other side of your experience and “let go" of
unnecessary worries that are not good for your well-being.
7. Learn to help others. When you extend yourself to others, others will also be willing to help you out.
8. Accept help from others. Accepting your limitations or vulnerabilities is an indication that you are open for
growth.
 Psychotherapies
Sometimes, your friends or people you trust such as your parents or teachers can no longer help you with
what you are going though. Psychotherapy can be provided to address mental health problems and restore
psychological well-being. Psychotherapy refers to the professional relationship between them
counselor/therapist and counselee/client, which aims to promote psychological wellness through various
interventions.
It may include the following:
1. Psychoanalysis - This aims to help the client uncover conflicts and repressed emotions that prevent him or
her to develop through free association, dream analysis, resistance, and transference.
2. Behavior therapy - This aims to help individuals change or modify behavior by identifying maladaptive
responses to stressors This is commonly used among depressive patients.

3. Client-centered therapy - This aims to promote psychological changes through

a supportive emotional environment. It includes genuine concern with the client,
which means being honest and authentic to what you say, unconditional positive
regard, which is a nonjudgmental acceptance of the client; and empathy, which
means that the therapist can put himself or herself in the situation of the client.