MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL- BEING IN MIDDLE AND LATE ADOLESCENCE

Mental Health and Well-Being in Middle and Late Adolescence

Mental Health

Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave. People sometimes use the term "mental health" to mean the absence of a mental disorder.

Why Are Self-Esteem and Body Image Important?

Self-esteem is all about how much you feel you are worth - and how much you feel other people value you.

Self-esteem is important because feeling good about yourself can affect your mental health and how you behave.

People with high self-esteem know themselves well. They're realistic and find friends that like and appreciate them for who they are.

What Influences a Person's Self-Esteem?

Puberty and Development

Some people struggle with their self-esteem and body image when they begin puberty because it's a time when the body goes through many changes.

Media Images and Other Outside Influences

Our tweens and early teens become more aware of celebrities and media images, which can affect how we feel about ourselves and our bodies.

Families and School

Family life can influence our body image, as some family members might criticize looks, affecting a person's self-esteem.

Common Eating Disorders

Anorexia

People with anorexia have a fear of weight gain and a distorted view of their body size and shape. They eat very little and can become dangerously underweight.

Bulimia

Bulimia involves binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.

Anxiety Disorders

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD makes it hard to focus and sit still. Kids with ADHD can learn to control their thoughts and bodies with strategies or professional help.

Anxiety (Panic Disorder)

People with an Anxiety Disorder experience sudden and frequent panic attacks, characterized by strong feelings of stress or fear.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder changes how the brain understands the world, affecting social interactions and sensitivity to touch.

Bi-Polar Disorder

Bi-polar disorder causes rapid changes in emotions, where individuals can feel happy one moment and sad or angry the next.

Depression

Depression is a mental health challenge that leads to persistent sadness and can impact thinking and physical health.

Eating Disorders

An eating disorder exists when a person's thoughts and behaviors are overly focused on food and body weight, with fears of being "too fat."

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD causes individuals to feel fear even when safe, often triggered by traumatic experiences.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia affects reality perception, leading individuals to experience hallucinations or delusions.

Scripture to Combat Fear

Deuteronomy 31:8: "He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Isaiah 43:1: "Don't fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine."

Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God."

Scripture to Combat Depression

Psalm 34:17: "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles."

Psalm 42:11: "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

2 Corinthians 1: 3-4: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort."