Verbal & Mental Abuse: Silent Killer by Masked Jura

Trigger warning: This article may contain words that may trigger the readers and survivors of this trauma. Reader discretion is advised.

Mental Abuse:

        Mental abuse is a form of emotional abuse that can be just as damaging as physical abuse. It involves manipulating, intimidation, and control to undermine someone's self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Mental abuse can happen in any relationship, including romantic relationships, friendships, and family relationships. It can be challenging to identify since it does not leave physical scars, but it can leave invisible wounds that can last a lifetime.

        Mental abuse can take many forms. It can be overt, such as yelling, name-calling, or cursing. It can also be subtle, such as gaslighting, withholding affection or communication, or using a condescending tone. Mental abuse can also involve controlling behavior, such as limiting access to money, transportation, or social support.

        The effects of mental abuse can be devastating. It can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims of mental abuse may feel trapped, isolated, and powerless. They may also struggle with trust issues and have difficulty forming healthy relationships.

        Mental abuse is often a pattern of behavior that escalates over time. The abuser may start with subtle manipulations or criticisms and gradually increase the severity of the abuse. This can make it difficult for the victim to recognize the abuse and seek help.

        If you or someone you know is experiencing mental abuse, it is essential to seek help. Resources are available, such as counseling, support groups, and hotlines. It is also essential to set boundaries with the abuser and seek safety if necessary.

        It is important to remember that mental abuse is never the victim's fault. No one deserves to be treated with disrespect or cruelty. It is also essential to recognize that mental abuse is a form of domestic violence and should be taken seriously.

        In conclusion, mental abuse is a form of emotional abuse that can have lasting effects on the victim. It's essential to seek help and support if you or someone you know is experiencing mental abuse. Remember, no one deserves to be treated with disrespect or cruelty.

Verbal Abuse:

        Verbal abuse is a form of emotional abuse that can be just as damaging as physical abuse. It involves using words, tones, or gestures to control, manipulate, or belittle someone. Verbal abuse can happen in any relationship, including romantic relationships, friendships, and family relationships. It can be challenging to identify since it does not leave physical scars, but it can leave invisible wounds that can last a lifetime.

        Verbal abuse can take many forms. It can be overt, such as yelling, name-calling, or cursing. It can also be subtle, such as sarcasm, criticism, or using a condescending tone. Verbal abuse can also involve withholding communication, such as silent treatment or refusing to listen.

        The effects of verbal abuse can be devastating. It can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims of verbal abuse may feel trapped, isolated, and powerless. They may also struggle with trust issues and have difficulty forming healthy relationships.

        Verbal abuse is often a pattern of behavior that escalates over time. The abuser may start with subtle put-downs or criticisms and gradually increase the severity of the abuse. This can make it difficult for the victim to recognize the abuse and seek help.

        If you or someone you know is experiencing verbal abuse, seeking help is essential. Resources are available, such as counseling, support groups, and hotlines. It is also essential to set boundaries with the abuser and seek safety if necessary.

        It is important to remember that verbal abuse is never the victim's fault. No one deserves to be treated with disrespect or cruelty. It is also essential to recognize that verbal abuse is a form of domestic violence and should be taken seriously.

        In conclusion, verbal abuse is a form of emotional abuse that can have lasting effects on the victim. It's essential to seek help and support if you or someone you know is experiencing verbal abuse. Remember, no one deserves to be treated with disrespect or cruelty.

Long-Term Effects of Bullying on Mental Health by Master.B

        Bullying has become a widespread issue in schools and communities around the world. It can have severe and long-lasting effects on the mental health of victims, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

        Studies have shown that victims of bullying are more likely to experience mental health problems as adults, even years after the bullying has ended. They may have difficulty trusting others, forming and maintaining relationships, and struggle with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.

        Research has also shown that bystanders who witness bullying can experience adverse mental health effects, including increased anxiety and depression. They may feel guilty for not intervening or fear becoming a target.

        Many schools and communities have developed and implemented prevention and intervention programs for addressing bullying. These programs typically involve education and training for students, teachers, and parents, as well as counseling and support services for victims and perpetrators.

        However, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of bullying on mental health and develop effective prevention and intervention strategies. We can create a safer and more supportive environment for all children and adolescents by working together to address this issue.

Teen Pregnancy: Causes, Effects and Prevention by Stan

INTRODUCTION

        Teenage pregnancy is the term used to describe pregnancies among young women still in their adolescent years. This range of ages is often between 13 and 19. However, it can vary based on the menarche age and the country's legal age of majority. Due to changing lifestyles and a higher fertility rate, teen pregnancy rates are rising globally, presenting numerous social and economic issues for society.

CAUSES

        Early marriages, young sexual activity, a lack of sex education, sexual abuse, pornography, drug use, poor levels of education and high poverty rates are some potential reasons and risk factors for teenage pregnancies.

SOCIOECONOMIC EFFECT

        Teenage females' school dropout rates increase as a result of teenage pregnancy. Due to intense peer pressure and inadequate sex education, dropouts disproportionately affect high school girls. Because she must leave school to prepare for and care for her pregnancy, a teenage girl's education is significantly impacted. According to statistics, adolescent pregnancies are the leading cause of high school dropouts among young girls. The potential for education and the promising future of girls, children are greatly harmed by these dropouts. Due to physiological and morphological characteristics, teenage pregnancies are more likely than mature women to experience obstetric problems. These issues necessitate further medical care, which is quite expensive, especially for low-income families. When a teen mother gives birth without the assistance of a qualified obstetrician, there are other significant health hazards that could negatively impact her health. Teenage mothers' self-esteem is significantly impacted by stress and social shame. A teenage girl who gets pregnant experiences anxiety about an unforeseen pregnancy, frustration, and a loss of hope as she feels as though she has already fulfilled her life's purpose.

        The pregnant girl is afraid to tell anyone, not even the boyfriend who caused the pregnancy because she is scared about what they will think of her predicament. She becomes stigmatized and perplexed as she wonders what impression she will give to his friends, family, and professors. She weighs the pros and cons of telling everyone and continuing with the pregnancy vs. keeping it a secret and having an abortion.

PREVENTION

        Schools must provide initiatives and workshops that give children a chance to shape their childhood constructively and keep occupied because idle minds are the devil's workshops. Because it promotes early teen sexual behavior, drug use and pornography should not be permitted in schools. Girls need to learn how to avoid risk and safeguard themselves from circumstances and predisposing factors that could be very hazardous to their safety. Girls will be able to make educated decisions and be accountable for their actions and results with the help of sex education.

CONCLUSION

        Teen pregnancy is a significant problem affecting girl child education worldwide. The increased teenage pregnancy rate is due to the change in lifestyles, such as the availability of pornography, drug abuse, peer pressure, increased fertility, and poverty. Teenage pregnancy poses many challenges to families and education system translating into serious socioeconomic problems in society that need immediate attention to address. Teenagers are young and relatively innocent on the consequences of teenage pregnancies, so they need proper parental and school guidance on the knowledge of sexuality and pregnancy.

Bullying: Common Problem of Our Society by CooCooPandan

        Bullying is common in our society and has become a public health emergency. It is a form of repeated peer aggression that is intentional and involves a power differential between the bully and the victim. 

        It is often subtle and hidden, profoundly affecting many children. The information in the following activity will provide clinicians with tools for increased awareness and early recognition of bullying; this, in turn, will likely result in developing strategies for prevention and intervention concerning this significant societal issue. This activity reviews the cause, pathophysiology, and presentation of patients that are victims of bullying and the role of the interprofessional team in evaluating and managing these patients.

Objectives:

• Identify the etiology and epidemiology of bullying.
• Discuss the presentation and signs and symptoms suggestive of bullying.
• Outline strategies for the treatment and prevention of bullying.
• Recognize that strategies for addressing bullying may be different for bullies and their victims.
• Introduction

        Bullying is a prevalent, complex, and potentially damaging form of violence among children and adolescents. Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior involving an actual or perceived social power imbalance. The behavior is repeated or has the potential to be repeated over time (therefore, the definition excludes occasional or minor incidents). These actions are purposeful and intended to hurt or make the victim uncomfortable.

        Bullying may manifest itself in many forms. It can be physical, verbal, relational, or cyber; it can be subtle and elusive. The most common form of bullying for boys and girls is verbal bullying, such as name-calling. Although bullying is more common in schools, it can occur anywhere. It often occurs in unstructured areas such as playgrounds, cafeterias, hallways, and buses. Cyberbullying has recently received increased attention as electronic devices have become more common. Although prevalent, bullying through electronic means ranks third after verbal and physical bullying. In general, bullying is a common type of social experience that children refer to as "getting picked on."

 

Etiology

        The etiology of bullying is complex and may depend on multiple issues, including individual, social, and family issues. Understanding these hidden causes that increase the risk of bullying is essential.[2]

Victims

        Although there are many causes of bullying, certain risk factors may attract bullies to their victims. 

• Children who are different from their peers
• Weaker children (than bullies)
• Children who are socially isolated, less popular, and have few friends
• May have underlying feelings of personal inadequacy
• Bullies

These children may have the following characteristics:

• Increasingly aggressive behavior and can be easily frustrated
• Tendency to blame others for their issues
• Unable to accept responsibility for their actions
• They may be overly competitive and worry about their reputation or popularity.
• May have friends who bully others
• May perceive hostile intent in the action of others
• May have a desire for power or dominance
• A bully does not need to be more substantial than their victim. The power imbalance can be due to many things, including popularity, strength, or cognitive ability. Bullying behavior may be used to gain social status. 

Epidemiology

        According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (2013), 1 in 3 children (27.8%) report being bullied during the school year. Bullying is reported to be more prevalent among boys than girls. It occurs with greater frequency among middle school children. For boys, both physical and verbal bullying is common, whereas for girls, verbal bullying and rumors are more common. African American youth report being bullied significantly less frequently than white or Hispanic youth.[4] Bullying peaks in early adolescence and then gradually declines as adolescence progresses. However, recent research suggests that this is for more overt forms of bullying, whereas covert bullying continues through adolescence.

Pathophysiology

        The issue of bullying in children is a complex problem that emerges from social, physical, institutional, and community contexts, as well as the individual characteristics of the children who are bullied and victimized. A bullying interaction occurs not only because of the individual characteristics of a particular child who is bullying but also because of the actions and attitudes of peers, teachers, and school staff and the physical characteristics of that particular environment. Family dynamics, cultural factors, and even community response also play a role in the occurrence of bullying interaction.

History and Physical

        Sure signs may indicate that a child has been a victim of bullying, including:

• Injuries or illnesses without a physical explanation
• Lost or damaged belongings, such as books or clothes
• Frequent somatic symptoms, changes in habits, difficulty sleeping, or frequent nightmares
• Avoidance of school or social situations
• Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem
• Hurting himself/herself or expressing suicidal intent

Evaluation

        Bullying is a severe problem for both the bully and the victim. The first step is recognizing bullying as a problem for a child. It is also essential to identify bullying interactions at an early stage.

        Assessment of bullying: Many tools are available to assess bullying and determine the frequency and locations of bullying behavior. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's compendium for measuring bullying, victimization, and bystander experience.

        It may also be necessary to assess other risk and protective factors, such as depression, suicide risk, and internal and external resilience sources, to determine best the interventions and supports needed.

Treatment / Management

        Since bullying is a very complex problem, there is no "quick fix" to prevent or intervene with this issue. It is essential to understand the issues that are unique to the individual and the context in order to develop and implement interventions. Here we describe essential elements for intervention to address this issue.

To stop bullying, remember that prevention is the best intervention.

• Assist child and family in providing a supportive and safe environment
• Assure the child that bullying is not his or her fault
• Work with school and other agencies as applicable to protect the victim
• Defuse or de-escalate an acute situation
• Addressing bullying is a multi-step process.

Teach children not to bully; discourage bullying.

• Improve supervision in commonly under-supervised areas such as a playground, cafeteria, hallway, and bus.
• Bullying prevention strategies should be clear and visible to other children.
• Educate children about the consequences of bullying and letting him/her know that bullying is wrong and a serious act.
• Apply consistent disciplinary consequences (e.g., removal of privileges, reparation).   
• Enforce penalties such as requiring community service as "payback" for unacceptable behavior.
• Be aware that punishment-based strategies (suspension and expulsion) should be reserved for severe disruptive and aggressive behavior. There may be more effective strategies.

Engaging the Victim

• Empathetic listening to the child; trying to understand the child's view
• Provide emotional support to child and family
• Obtain permission for a discussion with school officials
• Discuss when to contact parents; consider parents as partners
• Psycho-educational counseling
• Long-term support and intervention
• Engaging Bullies

Explore the basis of bullies' behavior: It is also important not to label them as bullies.

• Listen to their perspective. Remain non-confrontational; share a concern for the victim and ask for suggestions for improvement.
• Set the boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable behavior; communicate that this behavior is unacceptable.
• Children may quit bullying when they become aware of the hurt they have caused and learn alternative coping methods.
• Team approach: Many researchers believe that bullying is a group process. Therefore, interventions against bullying should be targeted at the peer-group level rather than at individual bullies and victims. Research has shown that the most successful programs use multi-level interventions.
• Involve parents; determine the best time and most effective method of involving parents.

• Family therapy is one effective method of reducing anger and improving interpersonal relationships.
• Encourage schools to develop an anti-bullying policy that should be included in the student code of conduct.
• Pediatricians should consider screening children for their potential involvement in bullying activities and encourage youth to prevent and intervene with bullying in safe ways (even as bystanders)

        Bullying is a learned behavior that may be preventable. School-based interventions have significantly reduced bullying by up to 20%. These interventions included the following:

• Changes in the school and classroom climate to increase awareness about bullying. Increase teacher and parent involvement. Improved supervision
•  Setting clear rules against bullying. Providing support and protection for bullied children. 

Behavioral Addiction by Gwy

    Behavioral science experts believe that all entities capable of stimulating a person can be addictive, and whenever a habit changes into an obligation, it can be considered an addiction. Drug addictions and behavioral addiction diagnostic symptoms have several similarities and differences.

    Behavioral addiction, such as internet addiction, is similar to drug addiction except that in the former, the individual is not addicted to a substance but to the behavior or the feeling brought about by the relevant action.

    In addition, the physical signs of drug addiction are absent in behavioral addiction. Others have stated that behaviorally addicted individuals have specific symptoms and will undergo the same consequences brought about by addiction to alcohol and drugs and other obsessive behaviors.

    The idea that true addictions can exist even in the absence of psychotropic drugs (behavioral addictions) was popularized by Peele. According to Peele, addicted individuals depend on a particular set of experiences, of which the reactions to a specific chemical substance are only one example.

    From a neurobiological point of view, behavioral addictions that only indirectly affect the brain's neurotransmitter systems can serve as reinforcers comparable to pharmacological substances that directly affect these systems.

    Indeed, recent findings support the assumption of common mechanisms that underlie the development and maintenance of both behavioral and substance-related addiction.

Teenage Pregnancy by Jannah

        Teenage is a crucial growth phase in the life of any individual fraught with physiological changes and often, psychological conflicts. In this condition, finding oneself to be a pregnant teenager can come down as shocking and even traumatizing for the individual, as-well-as, for her family and friends.

        Scientifically speaking, teenage pregnancy is the occurrence of pregnancy in females under the age of twenty. Sometimes, even pre-teen females can become pregnant, as reported in various instances. Teenage pregnancy is a matter of social stigma in most countries, and adolescent mothers are often met with socio-economic disadvantages and ostracization.

        Mostly such pregnancies are unplanned, and minors are not ready to bear the responsibilities of being a parent. Globally, the rate of teenage pregnancy is relatively high. Most cases are reported from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Africa, whereas rates are comparatively lower in Asia. As per studies, it is seen that the quality of teenage pregnancy is higher in developing countries as compared to developed countries, and mostly rural areas report higher cases than urban areas. This shows that the socio-economic background of teenagers majorly contributes to teenage pregnancies. Mostly teenagers from lower backgrounds with little or no sex education end up with teenage pregnancies.

        Another reason is a discussion regarding sex being a taboo. Often conservative parents and even teachers in schools don’t engage in sexual conversations. As a result, teenagers lack basic knowledge about sex or safe sexual practices. The lack of resources on sexual awareness leads teenagers to seek help from their peers that eventually leads them to have wrong notions about sex. Teenagers barely understand the issues regarding sexual intercourse and the use of contraceptives. A study in the United States reveals that about 53% of teenagers lack information regarding sexual intercourse and contraceptives. The glorification of sex in mainstream media is another reason why most teenagers lack the moral outlook that prevents them from engaging in irresponsible sexual activities—engaging in underage alcohol consumption and drug abuse is another contributing factor in teenage pregnancies. Often teenagers seeking social validation from their peers engage in drinking resulting in them losing their senses and eventually engaging in unsafe sex.

        In developing countries, sexual abuse of underage girls from lower backgrounds majorly contributes to rising rates of teenage pregnancies. Hailing from low-income backgrounds, these girls are pushed into sex trafficking to support their families and are exploited by older men. In most developing countries, girls are married off eighteen, and such teenage pregnancies are not met with social and moral stigmatization.

Teenage Pregnancy: Teenagers Loss of Human Rights and Health Problems by Drops

        Teenage pregnancy is portrayed as a negative thing to happen in society. It has been normalized because of how teenagers see the world. Society sets an image that having a child at a young age is a cool thing. However, many teenagers do not know the truth about having and bearing a child at a young age. Teenagers lack knowledge about sex and pregnancy, which can lead to unplanned pregnancies. In this process, many pregnant teenagers are forced to miss school and are denied their right to an education. In addition, she denied her right to health since she is not permitted to utilize contraception or learn about reproductive health. Many teens are not physically or emotionally prepared for pregnancy or birth, raising the risk of complications and death. Early school dropouts and health concerns jeopardize their capacity to earn a living.

       In this article, most of the teenagers in India are already giving and having a birth at 15-19 years old. Because of their age, many teenagers experience a lot in their process of giving birth: Low birth weight (LBW), cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), anemia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, premature labor, anemia, maternal, perinatal, and neonatal mortality. It also damages the reproductive system and is just one of the severe health risks young women face when combining poor nutrition with early childbearing.

Anemia 

        You are having lower than an average number of healthy red blood cells. People with anemia may feel tired and weak. You are more likely to get iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy because your body needs more iron than usual. Your healthcare provider will check the number of red blood cells during pregnancy. Treating the underlying cause of the anemia can help restore the number of healthy red blood cells. Your provider may also recommend that you take iron and folic acid supplements to help prevent and manage anemia.

Anxiety

        Anxiety disorders are common before, during, and after pregnancy. If you have an anxiety disorder, you may struggle with uncontrollable feelings of anxiety, nervousness, fear, worry, and panic. These feelings can be intense and may last a long time. They can also interfere with relationships and daily activities, such as work or school. Anxiety disorders often occur with depression. Getting treatment for anxiety before, during, and after pregnancy is important. Talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you think you have an anxiety disorder.

Depression

        Everyone feels sad sometimes, but these feelings usually pass in a few days. Depression interferes with daily life and may last for weeks or months. Some people have depression before, during, or after pregnancy.

        It is vital to concentrate on preventing teenage pregnancy from becoming a significant problem. Teenage girls may become healthy, responsible adults with the help of education, nutrition advice, family planning, and community awareness. Schools should provide sex education classes to teach kids the truth about STIs and pregnancy up.

Reference:

https://www.cureus.com/articles/125863-unwanted-teenage-pregnancy-and-its-complications-a-narrative-review#!/