Strategies to deal with emotional problems during adolescence

� Feeling sensitive � Intense emotions � Mood swings � Unfamiliar emotion � Conflicts

� Things always seem worse if you think you’re the only one who feels bad or is dealing with challenges. Well, you’re not. Even people who seem like they have it all together are probably struggling with the same feelings you are.

� One of the best ways to get through times is to know exactly what you’re going through. Read up on puberty, starting with this It’s My Life section. Go to the library for books about puberty, or ask your doctor or school nurse for some pamphlets or booklets.

� It can really help to talk to a parent or guardian who may remember what going through puberty feels like. School counselors, school nurses, and doctors can also listen to what you have to say and give you advice and support.

� Talk about what you’re feeling with your trusted friends. They may be feeling the same way, or they may know how to help you. At the very least, they might offer support and understanding, or just listen to you…so you can get it all out.

� If you like to write, draw, paint, sing, or play music -- you’re lucky that you have these great outlets for letting your feelings out! Even if it’s just spilling your guts in a journal or messing around with a guitar, you might be surprised by how good it feels to vent in some creative way. Adapted from http: //pbskids. org/itsmylife/body/puberty/article 6. html

� Describe what feeling is � Identify what factor makes the feeling change over time � Mention some feeling that we experience during adolescence 8 -18 years old Create the chart below to analyze each feeling, what cause it happens, what action you do, what consequences of your action, what alternative action/strategies to make situation better…

Feeling Cause Action Consequences Alternative action Lonely I often feel sad especially when I found that I can’t be involved to play with other friends. Usually I will stay away from the crowd and try to find a place to be alone My friends probably will even don’t recognize me as their friend It’s better for me to try to get involve in any activities and be more risk taker and think positive