DQ

POST 5:

Teenagers are very vulnerable at that stage. They are between adulthood and childhood. Poverty, level of education being a product of teenage parents have a profound influence on adolescence pregnancy. (Falkner 2018). Children raised by divorced parents are also at considerable risk. Adolescents who suffer cyberbullying, bullying in school, violent sexual relationships may face such challenges. The children may also make wrong decisions due to peer pressure from friends. There are many risk-taking behaviors that may come from external stressors in teenagers. There is tobacco use, drug, and alcohol abuse. Most adolescents indulge in these behaviors as a way of coping with the stresses they will be going through. Some end up practicing bad eating habits such as binge eating due to low self-esteem or body shaming from peers of their age group. Teenagers end up engaging in physical harm to one’s body in trying to cope with the pressures. Stressors can lead adolescence to indulge in sexual activities, at times unprotected, risking getting pregnant and sexually transmitted infections. Some teenagers become so aggressive and extreme anger towards others for silly reasons and end up hurting each other. These children need full support from the care givers and the community at large. People need to shun their behaviors of labelling teenage girls who fall pregnant. They all the support they need not persecution. (Shakya 2020). The adults should be able to provide for the children, and it will help if people have a reasonable number of children, they are able to provide for. Health education is vital to these children early before they reach teenagerhood. Teaching them to open when they have stress. Having more organizations who deal with teenagers from all social classes will help in curbing this challenge.  

 

References: 

 Falkner, A (2018). Health assessment: Foundations for effective practice.   https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs434vn/health-assessment-foundations-for-effective-practice/v1.1/chapter/3  

 Shakya, H. B., Darmstadt, G. L., Barker, K. M., Weeks, J., & Christakis, N. A. (2020). Social normative and social network factors associated with adolescent pregnancy: a cross-sectional study of 176 villages in rural Honduras. Journal of Global Health, 10(1), 1–13.  https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.7189/jogh.10.010706  

POST 6:

Relationship Violence and Teen Suicide are two external stressors unique to adolescent Falkner, (2018). Relationship is said to be violent when abuse is involved. Most teens violent relationship comprises of physical, mental and emotional abuse. Physical abuse has evidence like marks, injuries from beating and hitting. Emotional abuse is toxic and sometimes difficult to identify, like mind game. It can be in form of excessive yelling in a way that peaceful conversation will be impossible. Controlling the routine and life of the victim, no freedom of choices, emotional imprisonment. Contempt responds to partners need with mean-spirited sarcasm, arrogance, disgust, or apathy. Threatening, curses, feeling of being in charge, blackmail, threats of physical harm or intimidating remarks. Excessive defensive, always feeling of having to defend self, less room for open and honest talk to resolve issues, feeling like in a battle always and shield self. Isolation, Emotional abuse affects all areas of life, especially, relationship with family and friends. Mental, purposeful humiliation, verbal and physical mistreatment, private insults and embarrassment in public.

Teen Suicide is when a teen causes his or her own death on purpose. According to CDC, Suicide is the leading cause of death in adolescent. Teen years are stressful with many challenges including changes in body, thoughts and feelings. Fear and doubt may affect decision making and problem solving also feeling of pressure to succeed. Signs of intending suicide includes loss of interest in normal activities, changes in eating habit, neglecting one's personal appearance, giving away favorite personal belonging, withdrawing from friends and family, suicidal notes.

Risk taking behaviors includes Mental health problems. Substance abuse. Poor decision making. Involvement in a dysfunctional abusive relationship. Early sexual relationship. (Howarth et al., 2015)

Knowing the warning signs can help in saving the lives of the victims. School nurses should be knowledgeable on signs and symptoms of adolescent stressors to be able to identify abuse early. Nurses are helpful resources for both families and community. School nurses helps in creating awareness and educating the school about adolescent stressors. Family can be a resource by counselling and advising their teens about the stressors. By providing support, having a listening ear, no undue criticism and to stay connected. Counsellors, School, Psychologist, Psychiatrist Friends of the Victims. Social workers and clergy are resources to help adolescents.

References:

Falkner, A. (2018). Adolescent Assessment, In G. C. University, Health, Health Assessment:

Foundation for Effective Practice. Grand Canyon University.

Stanford Childrens health/ Lucile Packard children's hospital Stanford. stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default=teen-suicide

Brides.com/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship-5112027