Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary & Area Mount Royal University Nursing 2011

Posit ive Changes The changes that occur within this age group usually have negative connotations. This should not be the case as many positive developments also occur. Some constructive changes that adolescents develop include:

⊕ a desire to become independent & make relationships outside of the home ⊕ an ability to question the status quo ⊕ an ability to think abstractly ⊕ increased passion & creativity ⊕ increased ability to express their emotions through conversation

N e w A c t i v i t i e s

Because adolescents experience heightened creativity & passion, you may want to incorporate new activities with your Little

that encourage these expressive behaviours!

⊕ Museums or galleries ⊕ Take in a festival (street, film, etc.) ⊕ Drop in dance/fitness classes ⊕ Watch a competitive sport (University, Roughnecks, Vipers, Hitmen) ⊕ Driving range or mini golf ⊕ Rock climbing, swimming, or fishing ⊕ Batting cages, skate park, or ice skating

⊕ COP, Science Centre, Botanical Gardens

⊕ Parks (Stanley, Bowness, Fish Creek)

⊕ Explore Calgary Neighbourhoods (Eau Claire, Chinatown, Inglewood)

⊕ Shakespeare in the Park

⊕ Volunteer with your Little!

FACT: Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps has risen to stardom at a fairly young age. Deborah Phelps, Michael's mother, said she wanted to share Michael's story & his struggles with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Diagnosed when he was 9 years old, Phelps had trouble concentrating in school, his mother said, but personally prescribed medication & swimming helped Phelps manage the disorder.

The changes that occur during adolescence can be intimidating

when your Little is looking to you for guidance. Here is some general information, tips &

resources to help you navigate through this transition.

2 Mentor Support

To the right there is a generalized list of symptoms associated with common mental health issues in adolescence. It is important to remember that these symptoms may be normal when your Little is experiencing developmental changes. These symptoms may be indicative of a problem when they increase in severity or begin to negatively affect your Little’s life.

o Excessive anxiety

o Excessive dieting, eating, or exercising

o Excessive risk taking behaviours (drug or alcohol use, sexual promiscuity, etc.)

o Feelings of loss of control or being controlled

o Feeling hopeless or helpless

o Thoughts of harming themselves of others

o Thoughts of death or suicide

o Negative feelings toward themselves

o Abnormal feelings of guilt or suicide

FACT: Studies indicate that 1 in 5 children have some sort of mental, behavioural, or emotional problem; 1 in 10 may have a serious emotional problem.

Challenges for Teens ⊗ Impulsive & risky behaviour, such as

unprotected sex ⊗ Experimentation with potentially

harmful substances such as alcohol & drugs

⊗ Social withdrawal & depressive symptoms

⊗ Decline in self-esteem

3 Mentor Support

. Be supportive & non-judgmental.

ASK. Is there anything you can do to help them?

ENCOURAGE. Positive self-thoughts and behaviour.

SHOW THAT YOU CARE. Tell them that you are worried & that you are a safe person to talk to.

IT’S NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. It is your Little’s choice to talk – remember you are a friend, support & role model, not a counselor or therapist.

FACT: Music star Elton John discussed his uphill battle with substance abuse and bulimia on Larry King Live in 2002.

“ I had been sober and clean for years. And it was the best thing I ever did. But, you know, those three words -

If only I'd said them earlier."

- Elton John (Larry King, 2002)

[1]Maintain good physical health [2] Learn to release

anger & let go of grudges [3] Be aware [4] Keep your

brain active [5] Stimulate your senses [6] Have fun &

don't take yourself too seriously [7] Maintain

supportive relationships [8] Donate your old clothes,

furniture or items you don't use anymore to your local

Good Will, Salvation Army or charity of your choice

[9] Take some yoga classes, learn to meditate or

incorporate a relaxation technique into your routine

[10] Learn to savour & appreciate the moment.

Ten Tips for Maintaining Emotional Health

4 Mentor Support

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area Please contact mentor coordinator for all concerns. If you do not know your designated coordinator’s number, contact the front desk. Phone: (403) 777-3535 www.bbbscalgary.com Canadian Mental Health Association Nation-wide organization dedicated to promote mental health awareness & support networks. www.cmha.ca Centre for Suicide Prevention A place that provides training programs & information services on suicide prevention. Phone: 403-245-3900 www.suicideinfo.ca Distress Centre This is a 24 hour support network in Calgary that provides counselling & resources for those in distress. The confidential crisis line will connect you to someone who will listen, help the caller find stability & locate appropriate resources. (403) 266-HELP (4357) http://www.distresscentre.ab.ca/ Grip A website for Grip magazine, which promotes healthy living for teens. It is educational, with tons of facts, & articles, as well as an outlet for teens to express their opinions & stories. www.griponlife.ca Health Link Alberta Help line available 24/7 by health professionals that provide information & advice on health related issues. Health link can also provide the caller with further resources & agencies to contact for further information. Phone: 1-866-408-5465

Kids Help Phone Provides web and phone counselling that allows the caller to remain anonymous & all information confidential. This service is free & available 24/7 for callers aged 20 years and under. Phone: 1-800-668-6868 www.kidshelpphone.ca Mental Health Help Line Help line available 24/7 by health professionals that provides information on mental health programs, services & crisis intervention. Service is confidential and anonymous. Phone: 1-877-303-2642 Mind Your Mind An interactive website that promotes healthy living for youth & emerging adults. This is a teen friendly site that incorporates new music & media while encouraging teens to get help when they are in need. www.mindyourmind.ca Mirror Mirror This website addresses & educates about the ongoing health issues of eating disorders. It provides information on how to recognize the disorder & provides further references to contact. www.mirror-mirror.org Reach Out An Australian based website that addresses a wide variety of youth issues ranging from depression & substance abuse to sexuality. It is an interactive web page with fact sheets, stories, videos & a blog that encourages youth to become aware of mental health! www.reachout.com.au Youth are Awesome This website is a great resource for youth to get involved with the city of Calgary & become an active contributor to society. Integrating arts, culture, current issues, technology & volunteering, this site is excellent in promoting youth to get out & make a difference! www.calgaryurbanvibe.ca/teenlinevibe Youth Beyond Blue A website that is directed towards youth and is dedicated to helping others find the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety. http://www.youthbeyondblue.com/

Support is available if you or your Little have any questions or concerns -