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My Journey through Teenage Mental Health: Coping Strategies and Support

Nash Francis Amemita, ROY (A)

Being a teenager comes with its own set of challenges, including navigating mental health. In this blog, I want to share my personal journey and the strategies that have helped me cope. While I'm not an expert, I hope my experiences can provide guidance and support to fellow teenagers facing similar struggles.

As a teenager, I've faced overwhelming emotions like anxiety and sadness. Recognizing and accepting these emotions has been a crucial part of my mental health journey.

I've learned that asking for help isn't a weakness but a sign of strength. Trusted adults, friends, and family have been a vital support system during my toughest moments.

Taking care of my mental health has become a priority. Engaging in activities I enjoy, setting boundaries, and making time for myself have made a significant difference.

Through trial and error, I've found coping strategies that work for me. Writing in a journal, exercise, and engaging in creative outlets provide relief and self-expression.

Seeking professional help through therapy has been instrumental in gaining insights, learning coping strategies, and understanding myself better.

Balancing schoolwork and social commitments requires setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being. Managing time effectively and fostering healthy relationships have been crucial.

Sharing my experiences openly has allowed me to break the stigma around mental health and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can create a more compassionate and supportive environment.

Navigating teenage mental health isn't easy, but with support and coping strategies, it's possible to thrive. Remember to seek help, prioritize self-care, and surround yourself with a strong support system. Your mental well-being matters, and you're not alone in this journey.

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“Mirrorball”

Maria Ley M. Cataylo, 11 - ROY (A)

A mirrorball is a shiny spherical that is suspended high off the ceiling so that people may gaze at it. Its function is to dazzle, sparkle, and amuse those around it. People are held to such high standards by society that they constantly feel under pressure to perform at their best, whether in a career or a romantic relationship. When someone is in the public eye, everyone knows everything about them and judges them. They are made up of a million shards of a broken mirrorball, yet it is what makes them shine. Everyone is looking at it. Even when no one is looking, it continues to do its job on the ceiling when the light is turned out.

The song “Mirror ball” speaks about how Taylor Swift herself has many facades that the world sees and that she wants the world to see. Taylor Swift, being an artist of a global reach, has undoubtedly touched, helped, and entertained millions of people around the world. The fact that she is a global superstar with a million fan army does not make her any less vulnerable to her own fears and emotions. In reality, all these walls could also work as a weakness when they all crumble on to her.

I empathize with this song since I frequently put a lot of pressure on myself to do well. I'm not sure if it's because I've spent the most of my life acting as a perfect daughter for my parents, but I can relate to the way Taylor Swift discusses pressure—both internally and externally. ‘Mirrorball’ brings me to tears because it feels like it puts into words exactly who I am as a person. I am someone whose emotions have always been disregarded and overlooked by people close to me. I have often been made to feel worthless despite all my accomplishments. Sometimes I feel like I bear the weight of the world on my shoulders, and I easily get affected by the emotions of people around me.

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"Unveiling the Inner Journey: Nurturing Teenage Mental Health"   

Xander F. Calzado 11-ROY SET A

Mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent among teenagers. It is estimated that 1 in 5 teenagers will experience some form of mental illness, with anxiety and depression being the most common. These mental health issues can have a profound impact on the lives of teenagers and can lead to problems such as academic difficulties, social isolation, substance abuse, and even suicide.

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to addressing mental health issues among teenagers is recognizing the signs and symptoms. Teenagers may be hesitant to talk about their problems or may not even recognize that they are struggling. This is why it is important for parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to be aware of the signs of mental illness and to create a safe and supportive environment where teenagers feel comfortable seeking help.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues among teenagers. It is characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear that are out of proportion to the situation. Teenagers with anxiety may avoid certain situations or activities, experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches, and have trouble sleeping. Treatment for anxiety may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Depression is another common mental health issue among teenagers. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Teenagers with depression may have trouble sleeping, experience changes in appetite or weight, and have difficulty concentrating. Treatment for depression may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Other mental health issues that can affect teenagers include bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and substance abuse. These issues can have a significant impact on the lives of teenagers and require specialized treatment.

There are a number of steps that can be taken to support the mental health of teenagers. Parents, teachers, and healthcare providers can work together to create a supportive environment where teenagers feel comfortable talking about their problems. This may involve providing education about mental health issues, promoting healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise and good nutrition, and encouraging teenagers to seek help when they need it.

In conclusion, mental health issues are a growing concern among teenagers. It is important for parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental illness and to create a supportive environment where teenagers feel comfortable seeking help. By addressing mental health issues early on, we can help teenagers lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

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I Deserve This

Ma. Leana Rhaine C. Beron, 11 Roy A

Do you believe that grades can dictate your life path? Do grades really matter? Personally, I take great pride in my academic and extracurricular achievements. I have been a consistent honor student and an active member of school organizations. These are the things I know people cannot take away from me. However, growing up with such wins can develop this pressure to keep up with achievements and be better than the last. The funny thing is, the academic pressure I am feeling isn't from my family or my peers; it is from the expectations I have for myself. I became fearful of low grades, causing me to be quite a perfectionist and untrusting of other people's competence to get work done that is up to my standards. I often take it upon myself to do all the work for the group just to achieve my standards. 

The final straw that made me realize how tiring this toxic trait is was during my 10th-grade research project for our English class. It was a group project, but since I was a new student and online classes were ongoing, my group mates were complete strangers to me. I gave out the tasks and provided them ppt presentations of how they are done. When they passed their written documents, I ended up rewriting everything because nothing made sense, and I did not want to keep explaining why it was wrong and how to properly do it.  I finished chapters 1 and 2 of our research by myself and made several efforts to prepare them for our defense, but only I was able to answer the panelists. The shame I felt for not being a good team player was combined with the exhaustion from cramming the research paper. I realized how this lifestyle could burn me out sooner than later if I keep working like my academic performance is the most important thing I could ever have. I fear that I would get burned out during my college years when my grades are most vulnerable, but I am more afraid of getting too caught up in chasing numbers, I miss out on experiences that could teach me the lessons the school does not.

At the start of senior high school, changes had to be done. This change pushed me to put myself first. My family and friends played a big part in reminding me that I also deserve to rest. “I deserve this” became a daily affirmation to constantly snap me back from worrying too much about my grades. I learned how to trust and respect my own pace and progress when working. The slow progress of learning how to trust and appreciate other people’s work and creativity despite indifferences in our ideas and opinions also paid off as I observed how confident people can be around me.  Just this Monday, our section exchanged anonymous messages with everyone, and one message caught my attention. The thought of the message was that they became confident in their works because of me. Knowing that I helped someone get confident over something they do really melted my heart. 

To the achievers pressured by standards and expectations; the world will not crumble if you can’t reach it. The world will not crumble down if other people can’t reach it. You have your own capabilities and it is okay to push yourself a bit, but not to a point where you lose everything else. You deserve to rest, have fun, make mistakes, and be imperfect. Do not forget to live in the moment because life teaches you the greatest lessons, not school. You dictate your life path, not your grades. 

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Procrastinating Amongst Teenagers

Carl Louis M. De la Peña (11 - ROY A)

Procrastination is something that most people experience at some point in their lives. However, it is especially prevalent among teenagers. Teenagers are notorious for putting off their responsibilities until the last minute, whether it's completing a school project or studying for a test. In this blog, we will explore why teenagers procrastinate and what they can do to overcome this bad habit.

Why Do Teenagers Procrastinate?

There are several reasons why teenagers procrastinate. One of the main reasons is that they feel overwhelmed by the task at hand. They may not know where to start, or they may feel that the task is too difficult or time-consuming. This feeling of being overwhelmed can cause them to put off the task, hoping that they will feel more motivated or energized later on.

Another reason why teenagers procrastinate is that they have poor time-management skills. They may not know how to prioritize their tasks or how to break them down into manageable pieces. This can lead to them putting off tasks until the last minute, which can cause stress and anxiety.

Additionally, teenagers may be easily distracted by social media, video games, or other activities that they find more enjoyable than the task at hand. They may think that they can quickly complete the task later on, but this often leads to them running out of time and feeling stressed. Procrastination can have significant negative consequences for teenagers. For example, it can lead to poor grades, missed deadlines, and increased stress and anxiety. However, there are some strategies that teenagers can use to overcome procrastination and improve their productivity.

How Can Teenagers Overcome Procrastination?

The good news is that there are several things that teenagers can do to overcome procrastination. Here are some tips:

1. Break Tasks Down into Smaller Pieces: Instead of thinking of a task as one big thing, try breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This can make the task feel less overwhelming and help you to get started.

2. Prioritize Your Tasks: Make a list of all the tasks that you need to complete, and then prioritize them based on their importance and deadline. This can help you to focus on the most critical tasks first.

3. Set Realistic Goals: Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given amount of time. Set achievable goals that you can work towards, and celebrate your successes along the way.

4. Eliminate Distractions: Try to eliminate any distractions that may be preventing you from getting started on your task. This could mean turning off your phone or logging out of social media.

5. Use Positive Self-Talk: Instead of telling yourself that you can't do something, try using positive self-talk. Tell yourself that you can accomplish the task and that you are capable of doing so.

6. Get Help When You Need It: If you are struggling with a task, don't be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your teacher, parents, or a tutor to get the support you need.

Conclusion:

Procrastination is a common problem among teenagers, but it doesn't have to be. By breaking tasks down into smaller pieces, prioritizing your tasks, setting realistic goals, eliminating distractions, using positive self-talk, and getting help when you need it, you can overcome procrastination and achieve your goals. Remember, the key to success is to start early and stay focused. Good luck!

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Words Hurt More Than Actions

Bongkais, Kore A. ( 11-ROY Set A )

Verbal Abuse are just some of the common problems faced by teenagers and young adults. This form of abusive behavior involves using negative comments that are sometimes misunderstood to harm, insult, or threaten a person through spoken words. Unfortunately, the occurrence of verbal abuse directed towards young adults and teenagers is a widespread issue, and it can have severe effects on their emotional wellbeing, self-confidence and esteem.

Verbal abuse is present in many different forms, and it can be administered by anyone within a young adult or teenager's life. This includes parents, teachers, friends, or coaches. Quite often, the abuser genuinely believes they are "doing it out of love", concern or 'tough love" when, in actual fact, they are causing hurt to the person and that's what's concerning about this problem that we are facing, young adults and teenagers are still doing this to this day.

Those experiencing verbal abuse often feel powerless and worthless. This can have a lasting impact on their mental health, leading to depression and anxiety, and it may even cause physical health problems such as stomach ulcers and high blood pressure. Frequent and long-term exposure to verbal abuse can change the structure of a young adult or teenager’s brain, creating difficulties with cognitive processing and memory.

Furthermore, the effects of verbal abuse can be long-lasting depending on how traumatized that person may be. It can cause trust issues and challenges when attempting to form healthy relationships. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress can or may occur.

Education is a crucial tool in preventing verbal abuse. Parents, educators, and guardians should educate young adults and teenagers on the dangerous effects verbal abuse can have on their lives. They should also help individuals identify abusive behavior, speak out when it happens and impose stricter penalties for those who participate in this type of conduct.

In other words, verbal abuse is a serious issue amongst young adults and teenagers. It is therefore important that society takes a stand against verbal abuse and educates individuals on the numerous negative effects it can have on someone's mental and emotional well being. Everyone deserves love and respect, and we must prioritize the mental and emotional health of young adults and teenagers, spreading positive and healthy relationships. It is better to show love than hate.

#StopVerbalAbuse

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The Power of Expectations

A blog is written by Aina Guiamalon, 11 Roy (A)

Have you ever experienced disappointments? A situation where you can not blame someone because it is yourself who hopes for expectations? Well, to tell you, this is consider as one of the most crucial problems that every student encounters. Expectations— starting from homes, school, and even yourself. In this world, everyone has their own kind of expectations. It is also defined that expectation is a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future. Personally, academic expectation is one of the pressure that I am encountering up until now. Being an consistent honor student is quite questionable if I am doing the right thing or could be an double-edge sword. These are just the few questions that keeps on lingering inside my mind as I walk in the hallway of my school to reach the first class in the morning. I was saddened and in despair knowing that it is not only me who is experiencing these expectations, but also a lot of people disregarding how successful they are or not. Expectations, is still there.

It all started during the first year of pandemic that soon I realized that it is still here, academic expectations is still with me. I never get rid out of it, but instead I learned on how to handle it because like what they say expectations are everywhere and the only thing that you can do is to keep it on control. During the first semester of the school year 2022, I was aiming for the first place inside our room. I always thought that it could be me because of the efforts and time that I gave in every outputs that we received from our teachers. But the feeling of disappointment hits me when I received my first quater grades. It says that I was not the first, rather I was the second. I would be a hypocrite if I will pretend that I was not affected and heart broken upon receiving the news. I start to view things differently. I look back from the start and review as well as understand why did it happened, and there I realized that everything happens for a reason. Maybe it is not the right time for me, and I should accept it. I moved on and started looking for the positive sides. It took me a lot of time to recover from that expectations and I am not ashamed sharing these because that situation motivated and inspired me to do better. I believe that expectation is not awful and a terrible thing, because it depends on how the person perceive the word. Yet, it is powerful because it will push you to your limit wherein you will be able to do the thing that you thought you could not do it.

For the youth, there is only one thing that I would recommend and that is to do the things that make you happy. I understand that choosing the things that make you happy is not that easy because of the expectations that people have for us. But believe me, at the end of the day, you will be the one who will decide and will suffer the consequences for not choosing the right decision. The world is not against you for choosing to be selfish in once in a lifetime. You also have tons of time to think. Take it slow and think carefully because once you have decided you need to take care of the responsibilities of your decision. Remember, expectations will be always right there. But it’s on you how to handle it and surpass it. Like they said ‘YOLO’ means that you only live once, so always choose to be happy.

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The Generation Gap: Comparing Parental Mindsets to Teenagers Today

Yesha Haienne C. Abellanosa 11-ROY (A)

The generation gap is a common issue that exists between parents and teenagers. The difference in mindset and values between the two generations is often the cause of conflicts.When it comes to the comparison between parental mindsets and teenagers today, the differences are quite apparent. As a teenager, my life is filled with many activities that bring me joy and fulfillment. I enjoy spending time with my friends, going out to explore new places, and pursuing my hobbies. However, my parents have a different mindset from mine, which sometimes makes it challenging to balance my desires with their expectations. My parents are strict and traditional, and they believe in following a set of rules and regulations. They prioritize academic excellence and expect me to focus on my studies and extracurricular activities. While I understand the importance of education, I also believe that there is more to life than just academics. I want to explore my interests, discover new things, and have fun.

Despite the differences in our perspectives, I have learned to communicate effectively with my parents. I try to listen to their opinions and understand their perspectives, even if I do not agree with them. It is essential to be respectful and avoid confrontations. I have learned to prioritize my responsibilities while also making time for the things that make me happy. I have shown my parents that I am capable of managing my time and balancing my priorities. I also try to educate them on my views and why I hold them. One of the things that make me happy is spending time with my friends. I enjoy going out and exploring new places, trying new foods, and having fun. However, my parents are often hesitant about letting me go out with my friends, especially at night. I have learned to communicate with them and assure them that I am responsible and will be safe. I have also shown them that I am capable of making good decisions and have earned their trust. This way, we can have a healthy conversation and find a middle ground.

I recommend parents and teenagers to both be flexible and open-minded in order to overcome the gaps between generations. Parents should develop an understanding of how society is changing and adjust their parenting approach to meet the requirements of their children. Teenagers should respect their parents' views and make an effort to understand them. It is significant to remember that parents and teenagers each have specific viewpoints and life experiences. Although some parents may have a more traditional outlook, it is vital to remember that they may not fully understand the difficulties that kids now experience because they grew up in a different era. Similar to adults, youngsters should know the value of hard work and perseverance, even though they may desire instant satisfaction and convenience. Communication is necessary, and both parties should make an effort to have an honest conversation about their values and ideas while also looking for areas of agreement. By doing this, we can close the communication gap and strengthen the bond between parents and teenagers.

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Mental Health Matters: Understanding the Fear of Being Judged and Rejected

Jenn Andria V. Alvarado (11-ROY set A)

The fear of being judged and rejected is a common mental health problem that can significantly impact an individual's life. People who fear being judged may also fear humiliation or ridicule, causing them to try excessively hard to appear perfect in front of others. This pressure to avoid making mistakes can cause anxiety, along with the belief that they are worthless and unattractive. On the other hand, people who fear rejection are concerned that if they open up about their struggles, they may be ostracized or rejected by their peers, friends, family, or coworkers. This fear of rejection can lead individuals to prioritize pleasing others even if it means sacrificing their self-respect and dignity to be accepted and maintain relationships.

I have always struggled with the fear of being judged or rejected. When people judge me, it affects my self-confidence and may even make me stop doing the things I love, such as drawing. I am afraid to show my art to others because they may laugh or dislike it. This fear causes me to hide my insecurities and avoid being called out. Similarly, the fear of being rejected makes me anxious in social situations and worry that no one will want to talk to me. To avoid being an outcast, I put in a lot of effort to please others and make a good impression. I even put on a facade so that others won't criticize me or think I am weird. However, this behavior is not sustainable, and it harms my mental well-being.

I’ve come to realize that acknowledging my problem and seeking help from the people who care about me is the first step in overcoming my fear of judgment and rejection. Although leaving my comfort zone scares me, it is an opportunity for me to discover my true self without worrying about what others think of me. By opening up slowly and showing my drawings more often and asking for feedback, learning to embrace my flaws and communicate better. If you are struggling with similar fears, I encourage you to seek help and support from your loved ones, take small steps to face your fears, practice self-care, and love yourself more. Remember that you are worthy and beautiful just the way you are.

Dealing with mental health or fears is not easy, but fighting back is the best move you can make. Don't let the opinions of others hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Instead, focus on the people who support and care for you, and don't be afraid to seek professional help if needed. You deserve to be happy and healthy, and it's okay to ask for help.

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Self-care, Self love

Maria Cassandra C. Cullamar ( 11-ROY A )

Social anxiety is a long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations. According to the NHS, social anxiety is more than shyness. It is a persistent worry that interferes with day-to-day activities, self-confidence, relationships, and life at work or in school. I was one of the teenagers who experienced social anxiety. It was moderate social anxiety. Moderate social anxiety is not common to other people. Moderate social anxiety is when a person may experience physical and psychological symptoms of social anxiety but still participate in some social situations while avoiding other types of social situations. 

Back in June 2021, it was my first time going out after a year of staying at home. As well as the first time I felt anxious socializing with others. Before the pandemic, I was always excited to socialize with other people and make friends. But at that time, I felt anxious about socializing with other people. It was at this point that I observed myself experiencing some symptoms of moderate social anxiety. At first, I didn't know I was facing those symptoms.

It was hard every time I felt those signs. My hands trembled a lot, I felt nauseous, my heart beat fast, and I always lost my appetite every time we went out to eat. These were the symptoms I felt every time I was outside, especially in crowded places. Dealing with it was hard, and I don't have any idea what to do to calm myself. I had been dealing with my social anxiety for a year. I was still attending some family gatherings because I was the only one who knew my situation.

I am not even sure of it because it was my diagnosis through Google and social media. I diagnosed it that way because I saw some teenagers on social media also experiencing the same thing as me. During that time, to avoid feeling those symptoms, I will avoid some family gatherings especially if it will have a lot of people or guests. But then I realize that it will not help, so I slowly stop avoiding some family gatherings and try to socialize with others. It was like slowly building up myself again. It was a slow pace still I can't say I made it but I'm passing through it. 

Having social anxiety wasn't easy to deal with. It was not any kind of joke to deal with. It was challenging to slowly overcome it, which also helped me learn more about myself. I learned that it was very important to take care of yourself. It is okay to take care of other people, but don't forget to take care of yourself as well. Always prioritize your physical and mental health. Choose things that make you happy and comfortable. As well, it's okay to take things slowly; don't rush everything because you will get through it in time. Prioritizing yourself will always be your best gift to yourself. A quote from an unknown, “You can’t pour from an empty, take care of yourself first.”

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"BREAK THE STIGMA"

CARL SEBASTIAN T. ACEDO (11 ROY - A)

When you’re feeling sad, alone, and hopeless, who do you have by your side? Just yourself. We, as humans, feel different kinds of emotions, but what happens when we build up and hold our negative emotions? Mental health issues, a very common problem throughout the world till today. Childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect. Social isolation or loneliness. Experiencing discrimination and stigma including racism. Social disadvantage, poverty or debt, those factors can make our mental health unstable, and for worse, it can lead to mental health illnesses. These factors are often ignored and have been taken too lightly until today, people with mental health issues tend to isolate themselves, and avoid people.

I, myself have experienced mental health issues. I think to myself if I’m enough, why did I change so much, why can't I become a better person, why can’t I improve? Those things and many more go through my head every day and night, but I don’t share it with anyone, I’m too afraid of being judged. As a man, there’s this stigma that you need to be strong no matter what, this stigma also involves our mental health. Growing up, I didn’t see my father cry, “When you feel down and alone, fight back on your own”, that’s what my father told me, but what if I’ve had enough? What if I can’t fix it all alone? Do I still try to fix myself and hold it in? No, you need to release all that tension, men can also cry, although this stigma views crying as being weak, if you hold it in more it will break you. Men and women, teens and adults, we need to take a deep breath and step back for a bit. Talk to a friend, or a family member, share your side of the story. If you don’t share these things with other people, you’re just putting yourself into more harm than good. I know these problems are hard to conquer right now, so take it slowly, bit by bit, even the smallest of progress can make yourself feel better. Don’t listen to these stigmas and other negative things, what’s important is you put yourself first and do what you can for the better.

Mental health issues can’t be easily fixed, so if you find someone, a friend or family showing signs of mental health issues, it doesn’t hurt to say “are you okay?” These simple words can get you discoveries about that person. Next time, lend a helping hand to one another, spread positivity and not hate, as you don’t know other people’s pain. Let us all get together and “Break The Stigma”.

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"Knowing My Mental Health"

Mikaela Marie C. Caballero ( 11 - Roy A )

Each person's personal mental experiences are particular to them and might be challenging to discuss. To help others who might be going through similar difficulties and to lessen the stigma associated with mental health concerns, it is crucial to share these stories. I'll discuss my own mental experiences in my blog, as well as how I've handled them.

I've battled depression for a very long time. It has occasionally been difficult to get out of bed and face the day. I've felt like giving up and lost interest in things that used to make me happy. It's been a challenging path, but I've discovered that asking for help is crucial. According to my experiences prior to my grandmother's passing, she is the one who gives me strength. She is the one I grew up with, constantly by my side and making me laugh. We went places together and did everything together, including eating and taking baths. It wasn't until I entered grade 6 that my life began to turn into a nightmare for me. I still find it hard to comprehend that I lost everything.

Everything changed when I lost my grandmother, and now I'm imprisoned and pleading for release, love, happiness, and attention. Based on my experiences, people often compare me to them, especially my family, my friends who always betray me, and all the people that harm me. Even though I want to fight and stand up for myself, dealing with all of these challenges makes me incredibly weak since they always win. I was left with nothing but myself, a depressed person who was afraid of making errors, being judged by others, and being alone myself. Nevertheless, my grandmother will always be my treatment. I wish I could meet a therapist someday who would be like my grandmother. I had to occupy my attention in order to combat this kind of sensation and avoid eating out of habit. I hope that one day I'll be alright and can experience happiness like my grandmother did. I must create new endeavors and keep myself occupied. Take a break from everything, particularly social media. To flee a crisis and recuperate quickly, call a buddy or stay completely alone.

In conclusion, dealing with one's own mental experiences might be difficult, but support is accessible. Getting expert assistance can significantly improve symptom management, including counselling and medication. It's critical to keep in mind that you're not alone and that getting treatment for mental health concerns is not a sign of weakness. By discussing our individual mental problems, we may lessen the stigma associated with mental illness and support those who might be going through a similar ordeal.

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From fear to strength

Adam Gabriel B. Lapatha (11-Roy A)

Bullying is a serious issue that affects many individuals, especially children and teenagers. It comes in many forms, including physical, verbal, and emotional abuse. Unfortunately, I experienced bullying in my school, and it impacted my self-esteem and confidence. One of the most common forms of bullying that I encountered was related to my physical appearance. I was often teased and called "skinny" by my classmates. They would make fun of my body and even suggest that I was weak because of it. This constant criticism made me feel ashamed of my body and caused me to withdraw from social situations.

In addition to that, I was also targeted for my academic abilities. While I was a good student, I was not the top-performing one. Some of my classmates would mock me for not being smart enough, belittling my achievements and making me feel no good. This only worsened my self-doubt and reinforced my negative self-image. Dealing with bullying was not easy, and it affected my mental health. However, with the support of my family and friends, I learned to stand up for myself and not let the bullies define me. I realized that my worth was not determined by my appearance or academic performance. Instead, I focused on my strengths and passions, and I found my own sense of self-worth. I also learned to surround myself with positive people who lifted me up and encouraged me to be my best self.

 I learned that the only opinion that truly matters is my own. I am proud of who I am, and I wouldn't change a thing about myself. If you are being bullied, I encourage you to do the same. Remember that you are not defined by the opinions of others and that your worth is inherent. Bullying is a serious issue that can have lasting effects on an individual's mental health and well-being. It's important to remember that no one deserves to be bullied or made to feel insecure about themselves. By focusing on your strengths and surrounding yourself with positive influences, you can overcome the effects of bullying and thrive as a confident and self-assured individual.  

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" Slow progress is still a progress"

By: Nina Liyan P. Bantayan ( 11-ROY A)

Depression is a simple word yet so powerful that if you don’t seek help you might lose your life. A lot of young people or teenagers experience this nowadays. People think or even your relatives think that depression is not serious, that it's all in your head. These people think that depression is a joke, but then when that person commits suicide and is gone thats the time where they realize that its serious. How pathetic right? Now let me tell you my experience.This  past few months I don’t really understand myself anymore to the point where I think of ending my life. I feel empty, I am always irritated, I don’t know myself anymore, I feel so  lost. The people around me think that I am strong, that I am okay because they see me as a very loud person, a happy person but what they don’t know is that whenever I am alone there are thoughts that get into my mind that what if “I just die? Will this pain go away?”, my insecurities about my body, color, hair, my face are slowly eating me up, I feel so ugly and it makes me question my worth as a person. Then there's this time where  I feel exhausted all the time even if I am not doing anything, I am unmotivated, I can’t focus on one thing, before I was always productive. If I have a task I do it immediately but now I procrastinate a lot. I may look happy and okay on the outside but deep inside me I feel so lost and sad. I don’t want to share this to anyone that I am feeling this way because I am afraid that they would judge me or tell me that I am just being OA. Because I myself don’t know anymore if I am depressed or what. I am confused about what's really going on with myself.

Although there are thoughts in my head I managed to handle it with the help of my friends and my mom. Whenever there are instances that I think of ending it I always think of my mom who is far away working and sacrificing to provide for my needs. I am thinking of what my mom and the people around me will feel if I ever decide to end my life. And I always remind myself that life is so precious and I should treasure it. I may feel lost and depressed but  I will make sure that I will find myself back and I will get my genuine smiles back. Not now but hopefully soon.

 For those who are experiencing depression and are struggling right now, you are not alone, seek help or treatment  and always remember that ending your life is not the answer to your problem. We may feel lost at times but we will surely find our way back. So don't give up. It may take a lot of time to heal but always remember a slow progress is still a progress. May we get our genuine smiles and happiness back. 

[roybunnies2023]

Embrace Your Own Definition of Beautiful

-Mikaela Joy T. Diapen (11 - Roy A)

I have always wondered why people shame others for their bodies. Is it a way for them to derive pleasure from causing others to feel insecure, or is it simply due to a lack of awareness about the harmful effects of body shaming? Body shaming is an ongoing issue that affects people of all shapes and sizes that can happen both in-person and online. It is a type of discrimination that involves making derogatory comments about someone's physical appearance, and it can be extremely damaging to a person's self-esteem and mental health.

As someone who has personally experienced body shaming, I understand how frustrating and detrimental it can be. For years, I struggled with my own body image and was subjected to hurtful comments about my weight, height, and even the color of my skin. I often felt unfit or unattractive in comparison to society's beauty standards. It hasn't been easy for me to post photos of myself. I've stopped looking in the mirror because I've been told I'm getting "fatter.” There was a time when even my relatives made fun of me for being fat; I tried to laugh it off, but it had a negative impact on me; I tried everything to lose weight and tried every product just to meet society's beauty standards. Those incidents had a big impact on my self-esteem and body image. I became self-conscious and developed negative self-talk, which only served to further develop my feelings of unworthiness.

As I've gotten older and more self-aware, I've realized that body shaming reveals more about the person doing the shaming than it does about the person being shamed. It reflects their own insecurities and biases, and we must remember that their words and opinions do not define us. If you've been subjected to body shaming, it's important that you surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. It's also important to understand that there is no such thing as a "perfect" body. Every body is unique and beautiful in its own way, and we should celebrate and embrace our differences. Remember, no matter what your body looks like, you are worthy and deserving of love and respect.

Remember: Body shaming refers to not only someone's weight but also their height, skin color, hair texture, body shape, or any other physical characteristic.

[roybunnies2023]

Reading and Writing Skills

Performance Tasks 2: Become a Blogger

Submitted to: Ms. Jasmin Ylag Garcia

Submitted by: Daniella Marie S. Bangug

11-Roy (A)

[roybunnies2023]

“You are beautiful in your own way”

By: Johnnes Rish M. Fuscablo (11 - ROY A)

“You’re so skinny!”, “Do you still even eat?”, “You have so many pimples on your face!”. These phrases are the ones that I always heard and received back when I was in my high school days. Many people don’t know that body and face shaming is a form of bullying. It is the act of criticizing or making derogatory comments about someone's physical appearance, particularly their physique or facial characteristics. This sort of behavior may be unpleasant and devastating, and it can harm a person's self-esteem and mental well-being. Traditional Filipinos may regard body and face shaming as a source of affection or fun, but it has evolved into callous and solely judgemental behavior.

As someone who has been through these circumstances that involve body and face shaming, it’s really hard to cope up and deal with it. I get too lazy to get out of my room, I only get out to eat then go back inside and I don’t want to go out of the house anymore. I think It was around Grade 9; when COVID-19 started, I got skinnier and my acne started getting worse through time. It was because of online classes and sleepless nights due to the numerous assignments assigned to our class. I tried countless expensive beauty and cleansing products for my acne problem, vitamins for gaining weight! but, to no avail, it failed. That time, I felt I was ugly and unattractive anymore, but thanks to my boyfriend who helped me boost my self-confidence and my self-esteem. When I was about to graduate junior high school, I still had my acne problems and I was still skinny. I didn’t like my graduation picture because my makeup didn’t cover up my acne and it was really horrible. I was too shy to take off my face mask as I didn’t want my classmates to see my acne and pimples. For me, face masks were a lifesaver at that time!

All I want to say is that everyone has a distinct bodily form, size, and facial traits, and it is not fair to disparage or humiliate someone based on these attributes. Body and face shaming may take place in a variety of settings, including in person, online, and through media portrayal, and it frequently enforces unattainable beauty standards and fosters negativity. It's critical to cultivate a culture of body positivity, acceptance, and inclusion. Rather than emphasizing physical looks, it is more helpful to highlight the value of uniqueness, self-love, and acceptance of variety. Respecting and treating others with compassion, regardless of their physical appearance, is an essential aspect of building a healthy and inclusive community. “You are beautiful in your own way”. Don't heed what others say about you; they don't know what obstacles and challenges you're dealing with on your own journey.