How to cope with peer pressure

How To Cope With Peer Pressure By Shalini .

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, mental health has become a crucial aspect of overall well-being. While various factors influence mental health, peer pressure stands out as a significant contributor, particularly among adolescents and young adults.In the academic environment, students face a myriad of challenges that significantly impact their

mental health. Among these challenges, peer pressure stands out as a particularly influential factor. The impact of peer pressure is profound during adolescence, a developmental stage where
individuals are particularly susceptible to external influences as they strive to fit in and gain acceptance.Students may feel compelled to adopt certain behaviors, attitudes, or values to gain acceptance, avoid ridicule, or simply to fit in with their social group.
** There are several impact on mental health:
*Students may worry about being judged or excluded, leading to constant vigilance and internal
tension.
*Students who feel they cannot measure up may experience feelings of inadequacy and self￾doubt.
*The internal conflict between personal values and the desire to conform can create a sense of
hopelessness and sadness.
*These behaviors not only pose immediate physical risks but also have long-term psychological
consequences.
** Following are the strategies for students to cope with peer pressure:
*Encouraging students to recognize their strengths and achievements can help them make
independent decisions aligned with their values.
*Encouraging them to consider long-term outcomes rather than immediate gratification can lead
to healthier choices.
*Trusted individuals can offer guidance, reassurance, and a sense of belonging that reduces the
reliance on peer approval.
*Surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who share similar values can mitigate the effects of negative peer pressure. Educators and parents also play a crucial role by creating a supportive environment, promoting awareness, encouraging extracurricular activities and by monitoring. Peer pressure is an inevitable aspect of social interactions, particularly during adolescence and
young adulthood. Creating a supportive environment that fosters self-confidence, critical thinking, and healthy relationships is essential in mitigating the adverse effects of peer pressure.Educators and parents play a pivotal role in guiding students through these challenges, helping
them to develop resilience and make positive choices that promote overall mental health.
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Well I got this opportunity from HEEALS(NGO) to share my views on Mental Health Peer Pressure
among all children who are unaware of this .
#heealsngoindia #mentalhealth #communitydevelopment

Invest in prevention !

 Invest in prevention !

"Prevention is better than Cure"

The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. From individuals struggling with substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organized crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex. Central to addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritizes prevention and treatment.

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on 26 June every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. This year’s World Drug Day campaign recognizes that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use.Together, let us amplify our efforts to combat the global drug problem, guided by the principles of science, compassion, and solidarity. Through collective action and a commitment to evidence-based solutions, we can create a world where individuals are empowered to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

#WorldDrugDay #InvestInPrevention

Mental Health in Adolescents: Challenges and Solutions.

Mental Health in Adolescents: Challenges and Solutions. - Aashi 

Adolescence is a critical period characterized by significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes. Navigating these years can be challenging, and many young people face substantial mental health issues. Understanding these challenges and exploring effective solutions is crucial for promoting the well-being of adolescents.

Common Mental Health Challenges in Adolescents 

1. Hormonal and Physical Changes: Adolescence is marked by significant hormonal fluctuations that can affect mood and behavior. The brain undergoes crucial development, particularly in areas related to emotion regulation and impulse control, leading to mood swings and heightened emotions. These changes can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

2. Academic Stress: The pressure to excel academically can be overwhelming for adolescents. High expectations from parents, teachers, and peers can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. The constant pressure to perform well in exams, complete assignments, and achieve high grades can negatively impact self￾esteem and mental health.

3. Social Media Impact: The pervasive use of social media exposes adolescents to unrealistic standards of beauty and success, leading to feelings of inadequacy. Adolescents often compare themselves to curated and filtered images, which can result in low self-esteem and body image issues. Moreover, cyberbullying is a significant problem that can cause emotional distress and exacerbate mental health problems.

4. Family Dynamics: Family relationships play a crucial role in adolescent mental health. Conflict, lack of support, or a dysfunctional family environment can contribute to emotional problems. Adolescents from families experiencing divorce, financial instability, or substance abuse are at higher risk of developing mental health issues. A supportive and stable family environment is essential for the emotional well-being of adolescents.

5. Identity and Self-Image: Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and identity formation. Issues related to body image, sexual orientation, and gender identity can cause significant stress and confusion. Adolescents who feel misunderstood or unsupported in their identity may experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression. Acceptance and support from family and peers are crucial during this period.

6. Peer Pressure and Risky Behaviors: Peer pressure can lead adolescents to engage in risky behaviors, including substance abuse. Experimentation with drugs and alcohol can have serious mental health implications, including the development of addiction and exacerbation of underlying mental health conditions. Adolescents may also feel pressured to conform to group norms, which can lead to stress and anxiety. Solutions for Promoting Adolescent Mental Health 

1. Encouraging Open Communication: Creating an environment where adolescents feel safe to express their feelings and concerns is vital. Parents, teachers, and peers should foster open and honest dialogue about mental health issues. Encouraging open communication can help identify problems early and provide the necessary support.

2. Mental Health Education: Integrating mental health education into school curricula can raise awareness and reduce stigma. Teaching adolescents about mental health, coping strategies, and available resources can empower them to take charge of their well-being. Mental health education can also help adolescents recognize the signs of mental health issues in themselves and others.

3. Access to Professional Help: Ensuring that adolescents have access to mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, is crucial. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can prevent the escalation of mental health issues. Schools and communities should provide resources and support for accessing mental health services.

4. Building Resilience: Helping adolescents build resilience can equip them to handle stress and adversity more effectively. Encouraging healthy habits such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and balanced nutrition can support overall mental health. Teaching stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can also be beneficial.

5. Healthy Social Media Practices: Educating adolescents about the responsible use of social media and the potential dangers of cyberbullying can mitigate some of the negative impacts. Encouraging breaks from social media and promoting in-person interactions can also be beneficial. Adolescents should be taught to critically evaluate the content they see on social media and to recognize the difference between curated images and reality.

6. Parental Involvement: Parents play a key role in supporting their adolescent’s mental health. Being actively involved in heir lives, showing interest in their activities, and providing emotional support can make a significant difference. Parents should also be educated about the signs of mental health issues and how to respond appropriately. Creating a supportive home environment is essential for the well-being of adolescents.

7. Creating Supportive Environments: Schools and communities should strive to create environments that support mental health. Thisincludes having anti-bullying policies, providing safe spaces for discussions, and offering extracurricular activities that promote a sense of belonging and purpose. Supportive environments can help adolescents feel valued and understood.

8. Encouraging Peer Support: Peer support programs can be highly effective in promoting mental health. Adolescents often feel more comfortable discussing their issues with peers who understand their experiences. Peer-led support groups and mentoring programs can provide valuable assistance and create a sense of community. Encouraging peer support can help adolescents feel less isolated and more connected.

Conclusion 

Adolescent mental health is influenced by numerous factors, including hormonal changes, academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and identity formation. By fostering open communication, providing mental health education, ensuring access to professional help, and creating supportive environments, we can help adolescents navigate these challenges. Supporting our young people with the tools and understanding they need is essential for their healthy development and future well￾being. As a society, it is our responsibility to support our adolescents and help them thrive during this critical period of their lives.

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How Friends Shape You.

Peer Pressure: How Friends Shape Who We Are- Deepika

It is said that we are the average of the five most closest people surrounding us. Hence you can say our friends shape us and we feel the need to keep up with them due to so called 'Peer pressure'. Peer pressure is a big deal—it’s all about how our friends influence us and how we fit in with our social circles. From teenage years all the way into adulthood, our friends have a huge impact on the decisions we make and even how we view ourselves.

At its heart, peer pressure is about fitting in and going along with what your friends are doing. Think of it like this: you might try something new or act a certain way just because everyone around you is doing it. This could mean trying out smoking or drinking, or even just dressing a certain way to match your friends.

One of the not-so-great sides of peer pressure is when it leads to risky behavior, like trying drugs or doing things that could get you in trouble. Sometimes, the fear of not being accepted can make us do things we wouldn’t normally do. It’s like feeling pressured to act a certain way just to be part of the group.

But not all peer pressure is bad. Sometimes, friends encourage us to do good things, like study hard or get involved in activities that make us better version of ourselves. Positive peer pressure can push us to achieve more, stay healthy, and help out in our communities.

Navigating peer pressure isn’t always easy. It takes knowing who you are and what you stand for. Building confidence in yourself helps you make choices that are right for you, even when your friends might be doing something different.

Parents, teachers, and mentors also play a big role in helping us handle peer pressure. They can give us advice, listen when we need to talk, and help us build our confidence. Learning to speak up for ourselves and think for ourselves is super important in dealing with peer pressure.

It’s also cool to have friends with different interests and backgrounds. Being around people who think differently can help us see things from new angles and make better decisions. Plus, having a diverse group of friends means you’re less likely to feel pressured to act a certain way just to fit in.

In the end, peer pressure shapes a lot of who we become. It can be a positive force, pushing us to do great things, or it can lead us down paths we might regret. By knowing ourselves, staying true to our values, and surrounding ourselves with supportive people, we can handle peer pressure like champs. It’s all about finding the balance between fitting in and staying true to who we are.

Yoga Day 21st June

 "Yoga is the cessation of mind." 

The profound impact of yoga on young minds and bodies, aiming to unite thousands in the practice and promote global health and wellness. "Yoga for Self and Society," the theme for this year, highlights yoga's dual role in fostering individual and societal well-being, encouraging grassroots participation and the spread of yoga in rural areas.

Key aspects of the Yoga day. 

Physical health: Yoga elevates flexibility, strength, and endurance.  

Regular practice can prevent and alleviate various physical ailments, including back pain and cardiovascular issues.  

Mental well-being: Yoga aids in stress reduction, enhances concentration, and promotes mental clarity.  

Practices such as pranayama (breath control) and meditation ameliorates anxiety and depression.  

Spiritual growth: Rooted in spirituality, yoga fosters inner peace and harmony, guiding individuals toward self-awareness and self-realisation.  

Community and Global Unity: The day brings together people from diverse backgrounds, promoting unity and harmony. It underscores the universal appeal of yoga, transcending age, gender, and nationality. 

#internationalyogaday #yoga #mind #meditation #heeals #ngo #india #international #instagram #volunteer #internship #mentalwellbeing #youngmind #yogaforkids #love #happiness #kindness #spreadlove #spiritual #compassion #yogaforselfandsociety

United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future.

Desertification, land degradation, and drought are among the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, with up to 40% of all land area worldwide already considered degraded.

Healthy land not only provides us with almost 95% of our food but so much more: it clothes and shelters us, provides jobs and livelihoods, and protects us from the worsening droughts, floods and wildfires.

At the same time, growing populations coupled with unsustainable production and consumption patterns fuel demand for natural resources, putting excessive pressure on land to the point of degradation. Desertification and drought are driving forced migration, putting tens of millions of people each year at risk of displacement.

Of the world’s 8 billion inhabitants, over one billion of young people under the age of 25 years live in developing countries, particularly in regions directly dependent on land and natural resources for sustenance. Creating job prospects for rural populations is a viable solution that gives young people access to eco-entrepreneurship opportunities and at the same time to scale up best practices.

This year, the theme of the Desertification and Drought Day “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future” spotlights the future of land stewardship — our most precious resource to ensure the stability and prosperity of billions of people around the world.

Did you know?

• Every second, an equivalent of four football fields of healthy land becomes degraded, adding up to a total of 100 million hectares each year.

• Each USD invested in land restoration can yield up to 30 USD in return. In many countries affected by desertification, land degradation and drought, agriculture represents a high share of economic revenue.

• Under UNCCD, over 130 countries have already pledged to achieve land degradation neutrality (LDN) by 2030: a world where human activity has a neutral, or even positive, impact on the land.

World Day Against Child Labour

 

Did you know?

Approximately 160 million children worldwide are involved in child labor, which represents 1 in 10 children.

85.5 M

From 2000 to 2020, child labor decreased by 85.5 million, dropping from 16% to 9.6%.

26.4%

Only 26.4% of children worldwide receive social protection cash benefits.

0.4% Globally, only 1.1% of GDP is spent on social protection for children and only 0.4% of GDP for children in Africa.

8.9 M

Without mitigation strategies, child labor could increase by 8.9 million by the end of 2022.

Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!
With the adoption of Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, the international community made a commitment to the elimination of child labour in all its forms by 2025. 
Now is the time to make the elimination of child labour a reality!
Today, 160 million children are still engaged in child labour. That is almost one in ten children worldwide.

End Child Labour!

#endchildlabour #worlddayagainstchildlabour
#heeals #ngoindia #children #health #education #environment #volunteer #Internship #instagram

World Day Against Child Labour

 

Did you know?

Approximately 160 million children worldwide are involved in child labor, which represents 1 in 10 children.

85.5 M

From 2000 to 2020, child labor decreased by 85.5 million, dropping from 16% to 9.6%.

26.4%

Only 26.4% of children worldwide receive social protection cash benefits.

0.4% Globally, only 1.1% of GDP is spent on social protection for children and only 0.4% of GDP for children in Africa.

8.9 M

Without mitigation strategies, child labor could increase by 8.9 million by the end of 2022.

Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!
With the adoption of Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, the international community made a commitment to the elimination of child labour in all its forms by 2025. 
Now is the time to make the elimination of child labour a reality!
Today, 160 million children are still engaged in child labour. That is almost one in ten children worldwide.

End Child Labour!

#endchildlabour #worlddayagainstchildlabour
#heeals #ngoindia #children #health #education #environment #volunteer #Internship #instagram

Awaken New Depths

The ocean covers over 70% of the planet. It is our life source, supporting humanity’s sustenance and that of every other organism on earth.

The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen, it is home to most of earth’s biodiversity, and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people around the world. Not to mention, the ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.

Even though all its benefits, the ocean is now in need of support.

With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. We need to work together to create a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life.

“Awaken New Depths” is the theme for World Oceans Day 2024. The UN is joining forces with decision-makers, indigenous leaders, scientists, private sector executives, civil society, celebrities, and youth activists to showcase how our relationship with the ocean needs to urgently change since our efforts to date have only skimmed the surface. To motivate widespread momentum for the ocean, we need to awaken new depths.
World Oceans Day reminds every one of the major role the oceans have in everyday life. They are the lungs of our Planet and a major source of food and medicine and a critical part of the biosphere.

The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans.
Did you know?

• The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen.

• The ocean is key to our economy with an estimated 40 million people being employed by ocean-based industries by 2030.

• Oceans absorb about 30% of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.

Food safety: prepare for the unexpected

One in ten people worldwide fall ill from contaminated food each year Over 200 diseases are caused by eating contaminated food 40 percent of the foodborne disease burden is carried by children under 5 .Food safety: prepare for the unexpected.World Food Safety Day on 7 June 2024 will draw attention to food safety incidents. This year’s theme underlines the importance of being prepared for food safety incidents, no matter how mild or severe they can be. 

Food safety incidents are situations where there is a potential or confirmed health risk associated with food consumption. A food incident can happen, for example, due to accidents, inadequate controls, food fraud or natural events. While being ready to manage food safety incidents requires dedicated efforts from policymakers, food safety authorities, farmers and food business operators, consumers also can play an active role.

“FOOD STANDARDS SAVE LIVES”

When you eat, how do you know your food is safe? You have probably washed your hands, cleaned your kitchenware and cooked your food to the right temperature, all good food safety practices. You have probably read food packaging labels to see what ingredients the product contains or how to cook it. And perhaps without realizing it, you have trusted everyone involved in growing, processing, packaging, distributing and preparing your food in the right way so that you can enjoy it without falling ill. Your food was safe and your trust justified because the people involved in making your food – whether close to your home or on the other side of the world – followed established food safety practices, which are transparently available in the form of standards. In other words, food standards form the bedrock of trust for all of us.

FOOD STANDARDS ARE A WAY OF ENSURING SAFETY AND QUALITY.

They provide guidance on hygienic food handling for farmers and processors. They define the maximum levels of additives, contaminants, residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs that can safely be consumed by all. Furthermore, standards specify how the food should be measured, packaged and transported to keep it safe. Thanks to the application of standards on things like nutrition and allergen labelling, consumers can know whether the food will be good for them.

Most governments and organizations adopt and enforce food standards that are based on scientific risk assessments, covering hazards that are biological, chemical and physical in nature. The standards can be developed by individual governments or organizations, or by regional or intergovernmental standard-setting bodies.

“FOOD SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS”

Food supply chains involve several people: producers, processors, transporters, distributors, retailers, cooks as well as consumers. At every point in the chain, there are hazards that can cause contamination. Everyone involved at the various stages has a responsibility to keep food safe.

There are five calls to action on World Food Safety Day:

• ENSURE IT’S SAFE: Governments must ensure safe and nutritious food for all

• GROW IT SAFE: Agriculture and food producers need to adopt good practices

• KEEP IT SAFE: Business operators must make sure food is safe

• KNOW WHAT’S SAFE: Consumers need to learn about safe and healthy food

• TEAM UP FOR FOOD SAFETY: Let’s work together for safe food and good health!

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World Environment Day 2024

 

World Environment Day 2024: Every year, World Environment Day is observed with the intention of raising awareness about the pressing issues related to nature.

World Environment Day 2024: The earth is our home – the only home we know. From the day we are born till the day we die, this earth nurtures us and makes us the person we become. Nature is nourishing, loving and embracing. It provides us with all the resources we need for living and for our wellbeing. For both physical and mental wellness, nature is perfect to provide us with the best of everything. However, mankind has been ruthless to nature. Human beings have depleted natural resources, cut down forests and led to pollution and global warming. It's high time that we turn to nature and start preserving it. Every year, World Environment Day is observed to raise awareness about climate change, global warming, deforestation and loss of biodiversity. As we gear up to celebrate the special day, here are a few things that we should be aware of

Every year, World Environment Day is celebrated with a specific theme targeting the immediate problems – from climate change to global warming to deforestation. This year, the theme of World Environment Day is - Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience. "According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40 per cent of the planet’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of the world’s population. The number and duration of droughts has increased by 29 per cent since 2000 – without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world's population by 2050," wrote the United Nations on their official website.