Sphenoidelic

Sphenoidelic, came from word 'Sphenoid', part of the skull that resembles a butterfly

[sphenoidelic]

“All the Bright Places: Generation Z' s Virtual Mental Health”

Narrative

By: CJ Bicera and Krystel Ann Capulan

“Maybe this time I’ll do it—let the air carry me away. It will be like floating in a pool, drifting off until there’s nothing.” -Theodore Finch.  YA literature offers an insight into contemporary issues and realities in a way that is not only accessible for young readers but also relatable to them. (Bishop, "Mirrors"; Nieto) Mental Illness is not a weakness and to be labeled with. Some mental illnesses can not be cured but they can be managed so that individuals can lead a full productive life. Being diagnosed is a trap to a label, however, being diagnosed is a trap to death. For instance, the Young Adult Fictional novel, All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven, indicates teens' battle with mental illness.

Theodore Finch suffers from an undiagnosed bipolar disorder, during his “Awake” periods he suffers from depression and has a constant thought of suicide. His fascination with death isolates him from his family, he writes out fun facts about other people's suicides on his computer, as well as methods of suicide and the best way to pass. He hides his internal struggles through being an outwardly outgoing funny person and cheerful character. As the story opens with Theodore's "Is it a good day to die?" at the ledge of the bell tower, he also encounters Violet with the same contemplation.  

Another character from the story is Violet Markey. Violet is a teenager with depression caused by the trauma of losing her sister, Eleanor, in a car crash after suggesting her a route home. She blamed herself for her sisters’ death and thought she should be the one who should have died instead. She felt so miserable that one day, she wanted to take her own life away. She went to the school’s bell tower and there’s where he met Theodore Finch, her classmate, who spoke to her and talked her out of committing suicide.

Before the accident, Violet used to be one of the most popular girls in school. She was a cheerleader and dated the star baseball player of their school. She also has a popular blog with her sister and took part in various extracurricular activities. She’d always dreamed of going to NYC to pursue her career in writing. Since the accident, Her life has drastically changed. She was withdrawn from society. Violet has suffered from survivor’s remorse. She quit on the things that she loves. She was no longer one of the most popular girls in school, she quit cheerleading and stopped her website. Her image of being the popular girl was soon turned into the one who grieved on her sisters’ death. She became the shadow of the girl whom she had once been. She distanced herself from her friends and broke up with her boyfriend. She stopped pursuing her dreams in writing and never rode a car again. She became self-conscious and tends to stay in her room and lie down. After Theodore and Violets met at the bell tower and saved each other's lives their relationship grew more when they were paired up in a school project to explore the bright places of Indiana.

During their journeys, Violet and Theodore started a romantic relationship. This friendship restores Violet when Theodore lets her process the loss of her sister and encourages her to continue doing the things she did before the car crash. This relationship has the opposite effect for Theodore, as his depression is getting worse. They wander around Indiana together some more; however, on one occasion they accidentally stay out until the next morning, angering Violet's parents and forbidding their daughter from seeing Finch again. After Finch's spiral, in which he was expelled, he disappeared and left goodbyes and cryptic messages to the people he knew.

Theodore Finch and Violet Markey suffer different mental illnesses. After they stopped each other from jumping off the tower. Then, they paired up for a school project, they coped up or at least Violet as Finch worsened, And soon after, disappeared. When we talk about teenagers, we often think that they don’t know what true love and heartache are, but in reality, most often the most painful ones are the ones that we encounter first. The story gives us a lesson that there’s a bright place, even in the darkest times. You might not see it, but you are also a bright place for someone.

photo credits via Pinterest

[sphenoidelic]

“End the Stigma of Mental Illness; Be an Advocate of Change”

Persuasive

By: Cindy Balbastro and Merry Juztine Villacanas

Crazy. Violent. Dangerous. These are some of the characteristics that most people associate the victims with having such mental illness. But do you ever think of being in the same shoes as the person affected by it and people will tell you these things not fully knowing that you’ve been battling something inside your head? Frustrating, right? It is because we live in a world where stigma costs life. The stigma around mental illness must come to an end for this creates unfavorable outcomes to the psychological aspect of a particular person. With this in mind, join us as we uphold change and stamp some reminders that mental health is essential and that those living with mental health issues are worthy of care and respect.

A person that suffers from mental illness navigates the world differently than a person who doesn’t. Mental illness is a serious medical condition that can affect an individual’s ability to function in their day to day life and relate to others. It is defined as a physical illness of the brain that causes disturbances in thinking, behavior, energy or emotion that make it difficult to cope with the ordinary demands of life. As a matter of fact, it affects 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year. There is no single cause for mental illness, instead, there are numerous factors that can contribute to the risks of having a mental disorder. Mental illnesses may be caused by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, or a combination of these. Also, suffering from mental illness is always affiliated with some complications.

It is a fact that not all individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, or other psychological disorders are receiving the treatment that they need. Consequently, far too many sufferers of mental illness will languish in denial for years, or consistently downplay the seriousness of their psychological state. Even in recent scientific surveys conducted, results demonstrated that “increased awareness” of the neurobiological cause of mental illness still has not tampered with the generally negative perception of the disorder. On the other hand, let us discuss society’s view regarding this matter.

According to a research study, the mental illness involves biological factors from an individual’s genetic makeup that can contribute to the risk of developing a mental illness. We can attest to the fact that at least one person you know experiences a mental illness. You probably will argue this statement but most of them are hiding in a mask to prove that they are acting fine and okay. This topic is considered a complex thing and it is something that needs to be addressed and understood by society. It’s not something that can be repaired over time. It’s with us every day. It changes the way we perceive the world. Furthermore, we need to understand that anyone can experience this predominant issue regardless of social status, ethnicity, race, or gender.

Mental disorders are real and are impacted by genetics and life experiences. Don’t you think it’s sad that people feel worthless that they go for thoughts like ending their own life? Approximately 65,300 Americans attempted suicide in the past year and the number keeps rising. How many more lives will be taken? It is time for us to change, to break down this shameful wall. As an advocate, we believe that the stigma of mental illness is unhealthy for the world and should be put to an end. 

[sphenoidelic]

“Navigating the Inner World of Trauma: Its Agents and Adverse Outcomes”

Cause and Effect

By: Cassandra Gargarotea and Merry Juztine Villacanas

Have you ever felt that you can not escape from a certain event in the past and you’re being hunted by those scenarios? Have you ever been in a situation in which you can not control your behavior every time you remember something unforgettable? How about manifesting in problems such as night terrors, poor concentration, and mood swings? Well then, let me enlighten you with the word “Trauma”. Most people experience trauma at some point in their lives, as a result, some will experience debilitating symptoms that interfere with their daily life. With this in mind, everybody needs to understand how trauma can affect an individual's capacity to live a peaceful and stress-free life. Forthwith, to help better inform you about the impact of trauma, let us now navigate deeper into the inner world of trauma.

Psychological or mental trauma is one of the most famous problems in the world that most individuals encounter and a traumatized person can feel a range of emotions both immediately after the event and in the long term. Going through trauma is not rare. In fact, according to research, about 6 of every 10 men (or 60%) and 5 of every 10 women (or 50%) experience at least one trauma in their lives. The word “trauma” is a Greek word for “wound”. It is the condition suffered by an individual after they have experienced a tragic event and the body goes into shock. Trauma is a terrible and dangerous event that you see or that happens to you. During this type of event, you think that your life or others' lives are in danger.  Trauma is more ubiquitous than any of us suspect it is. There is no bubble wrap to protect us from it—it impacts every one of us, it is universal, and it is non-discriminatory. Pressures that are uncertain, frightening, and dangerous affect how we work, how we continue to exist, and how we learn and teach. Furthermore, some people can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being exposed to a major traumatic event.

Trauma can be caused by overwhelmingly negative events that trigger lasting impacts on the victim’s mental and emotional stability. Trauma is often but not always associated with being present at the site of a trauma-inducing event. The causes and symptoms of trauma are profuse, there are some basic signs of trauma that are evident in an individual. Besides, as stated by American Psychiatric Association, an event is considered traumatic if the person experienced, witnessed, or was confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Women are more likely to experience sexual assault and child sexual abuse. While men are more likely to experience accidents, physical assault, combat, disaster, or to witness death or injury.  In some cases, they may not know how to respond or maybe in denial about the effect such an event has had. The person will need support and time to recover from the traumatic event and regain emotional and mental stability.

A variety of reactions are often reported and/or observed after the trauma that develops huge effects for those people who experience persistent and severe symptoms. Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can of course have lasting effects on the victim's mental, physical, and emotional health. Moreover, trauma affects how you feel about yourself and how you interact or relate to others. Being a person that suffers from trauma or abuse may develop some adverse risk and mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Trauma also emerges long-term effects which include severe anxiety, stress and fear, eating disorders, self-injury, and worst, suicide. Above all, the victims of trauma should be mindful and think critically about those that are beneficial and equitable in their expertise. Most importantly, they have to identify the main causes that trigger and worsen their trauma to avoid the possible effects of trauma that they might get in the long run.

Suffering from trauma is not a joke, it is hard to bear with. Starting from its terrible causes down to its adverse outcomes is very difficult to manage. However, the great news is that it can be treated and any person can overcome it. It is never too late because it is possible to be successfully treated many years after the traumatic event or events occurred. Now try to ask yourself, are you also one of these people that suffers from the curse made by a trauma? If yes, then, it is not the end of the world, you can still take your simple steps to overcome it by just simply knowing first its causes and effects. Now the only option you could do is to prioritize and think about yourself and try to forget the things in the past that caused you a lot of fear and sadness. Let me challenge you to erase and transform that trauma into something memorable. Be brave enough. So, are you up for the challenge?

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“Midnight Thoughts: An Eloquent Approach on the Adverse Outcomes of Mental Health”

Descriptive

By: Ayen Amber Alvarado and Georgette Ysabelle Millan

Throughout our everyday lives, one must face challenges and difficulties to grow and be more mature, this can be observed throughout the entire human existence as can be seen in how we live today. Certain outcomes can cause us depression, if which is left unchecked can lead us to despair, succumbing to the trauma our mind experiences can be proven fatal. This particular matter covers the following abnormal states of the human mind, such as anxiety, stress, and depression. 

Abnormal states of the human mind, such as Anxiety, Stress, and Depression, if left untreated, may cause deprivation in the intake of basic survival needs such as water or food, the complication may affect the normal mood of an individual, and this may cost lack of interest or lack of motivation due to the mind being occupied by the said psychological complication. The stage of depression is major depression, these symptoms can last weeks or even months. The second is persistent depression, this depression persists for years at a time, so individuals with this form of depression may begin to believe like their symptoms are only part of their daily life outlook. Let’s first dwell on anxiety.

Anxiety disorders can cause rapid heart rate, palpitations, and chest pain. You may also be at an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. If you already have heart disease, anxiety disorders may raise the risk of coronary events. Your body goes on high alert seeking for possible danger which activates your fight and flight response when you feel anxious. As a result, this triggers your body to feel tense, nervous, restless, feeling in panic, and in danger. 

 According to the study, when coping with everyday stresses and issues, anxiety is a natural emotion of a person. But anxiety becomes a condition when these feelings are persistent, excessive and irrational, and impair the capacity of an individual to work. There are many kinds of anxiety disorders, including phobias, disorders of fear, stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. A huge event or a buildup of smaller upsetting life circumstances may trigger intemperate anxiety. For instance, the death of a loved one. Death is a different type of sadness we feel because there is nothing we can do to reverse it thus, it triggers excessive anxiety. In addition, stress from schoolwork, personal relationships, finances, and phobias will also trigger anxiety. Now, let’s talk about stress.

The sensation of emotional or physical tension is stress. Any activity or thought that makes you feel upset, angry, or anxious may come from it. It is the response of the body to a threat or demand. Stress could be positive in brief bursts, including that it helps you escape danger or reach deadlines. When under pressure, we stress, and most people get work done faster when under pressure hence, stress could be positive in brief bursts. 

The common physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms of stress are body aches and pains, exhaustion, insomnia, muscle tension, which can lead to depression, panic attacks, and sadness. Oftentimes, people who are stressed try to manage it with unhealthy behaviors such as gambling, smoking, overdrinking alcohol, and stress eating. Frequently utilizing stress management strategies can help you maintain a strategic distance from most physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of stress. Depending on what changes in your life, stress can be a short-term issue or a long-term problem. Lastly, depression.

Based on the study depression is a low mood that lasts, impacting daily life for a long time. A combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors also cause it; studies show that life events such as poverty, a loved one's death, physical illness, or violence may raise the likelihood of being depressed. The danger is also genetic for others. 

Depression is a dangerous mental disorder. It doesn’t choose victims. People of any age suffer from depression. It slowly takes over a person’s life up to the point they forget how they got it in the first place. It’s insidious, creeping out and building up inside you over time. It first starts with little, unnoticeable change of behavior then will gradually lead to bigger changes. It’s the feeling of lowliness, how things that you enjoy do not excite you anymore. Wondering, how you enjoyed it in the first place. The unsettling feeling where you can’t put it into words because you don’t understand what you really feel.

To sum up, Anxiety, Stress, and Depression have one thing in common, and that it’s a threat to our body both mentally and physically. It comes hand in hand in terms of symptoms - physically like body pains and aches, chest pains to be exact, exhaustion; and mentally such as  ?. Most of the time it gives people a negative aura. It rarely has some positive benefits in our bodies. It’s insidious and it’s affecting our minds and bodies. It’s not a choice; it’s a disorder that needs to be treated immediately.

Our mental health affects us as a whole, thus we should prioritize it just like how we prioritize our physical health. Mental health is essential and those who are living with mental health issues deserve care, understanding, compassion, and pathways to hope, healing, recovery, and fulfillment.

photo credits via Pinterest

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“Prevalence of Stress and Anxiety: How to Efficiently Withstand It?”

Problem and Solution

By: Cindy Balbastro and Aia Daniela Villarino

Imagine you’ve been asked by your teacher to join in a particular contest or event that you’re not familiar with. Then, you gradually felt the pressure to do your very best because you’re afraid to lose the competition and be a failure. What about the time wherein you’ve enclosed yourself in a dark tunnel considering the various circumstances that have been piled up in your head? You’ve struggled in pain, guilt, and fear to the point that you wanted to give up. Now, the question is, do these situations ring a bell to you? If it does, then it means that you’re not alone in this battle of life. Stress is psychologically debilitating for humans, to manage stress is not an easy task however few pointers could be had to counter and mitigate stress effectively. With these ideas in mind, let us delve deeper into other aspects of this matter, shall we?

Mental health is considered to be one of the leading talks in today’s society because of its scope and the stigma around it. According to the World Health Organization, the aftermath of not addressing adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults. It also has been said that globally, depression is one of the prominent causes of illness and disability among adolescents. On the other hand, there is also a stigma that encompasses one’s mental health. Newport Academy describes mental health stigma as the negative attitudes held by individuals and society toward those with trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and other mental health challenges. Hence, it is an obstacle to increasing awareness and ensuring people get the help they need. Moreover, a lot of youth and adults today agreed that as a whole, we should embrace the uniqueness of each one of us because after all, we are continuously living to survive this in-depth challenge. 

Mental illness is a consistent problem without a clear solution, living with it has never been easy. It takes many forms, however, most of it is related to excessive stress. The study finds evidence that stressful life events are causal for the onset of depression.  When stress becomes overwhelming and prolonged the risks for mental health problems increase. Every individual is different and situations vary greatly. This mental illness does not discriminate, it can affect anyone regardless of your age, gender, social status, race, religion, background, or other aspects of cultural identity.  Stressful situations can disturb a person but adapt to a much healthier lifestyle can distinguish between a problem-solving thought and a nagging worry that has no benefit. 

Anxiety is likewise a huge component of triggering the unfavorable components of one’s mental health. The said idea feels different depending on the person experiencing it. It can be increased heart rate, rapid breathing, restlessness, trouble concentrating, and difficulty falling asleep that would gradually result in an anxiety attack. Researchers are not sure of the exact cause of anxiety. But, it’s likely a combination of factors plays a role. These include genetic and environmental factors, as well as brain chemistry. Besides, researchers believe that the areas of the brain responsible for controlling fear may be impacted. Similarly, having a change of lifestyle can be an effective way to relieve some of the stress and anxiety you may cope with every day. Most of the natural “remedies'' consist of caring for your body, participating in healthy activities, and eliminating unhealthy ones.

All of these components comprise the wide scope of young adolescents’ mental health. It all affects the psychological aspect of a human being. Thus, we must not neglect our mental being because this is one of the important parts of having a stable and peaceful holistic healing. We all are unique individuals but these prevalent factors are not new to us we all experience these every day or if not, most of the time. If ever you feel you are being engulfed with a melancholic feeling and you do not know what triggers it and fear gets crippled in, the only solution is to learn to value yourself. You are not who others think of you. Set your worth to God and not on others because He knows the very best of each one of us. Likewise, you should also surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you for they are the best people one can associate with. So hang in there, friend. You are worthy and loved.

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