Conclusion:

Creating a blog from January to May of 2016 of this semester was very entertaining and fun. The concept of this year was about our career, so all the subjects had to do with our study area. In my case, my area of ​​study is Psychology and Mental Health. Through this blog, I could share weekly issues regarding the field of psychology. There were a variety of topics such as: managing emotions, child abuse, suicide, psychology and special education, among others. They all have to do with the field of psychology and the various problems that arise primarily, attack the emotions of humans. This is why it is important that at a time when we are facing a difficult situation is important to recognize the problem and ask for help to begin to work immediately and seek possible solutions. Everything in life has a solution. Even if it is or seems difficult to overcome, to function properly and healthily, we need to have a good mental and emotional heal.

Creating a blog from January to May of 2016 of this semester was very entertaining and fun. The concept of this year was about our career, so all the subjects had to do with our study area. In my case, my area of ​​study is Psychology and Mental Health. Through this blog, I could share weekly issues regarding the field of psychology. There were a variety of topics such as: managing emotions, child abuse, suicide, psychology and special education, among others. They all have to do with the field of psychology and the various problems that arise primarily, attack the emotions of humans. This is why it is important that at a time when we are facing a difficult situation is important to recognize the problem and ask for help to begin to work immediately and seek possible solutions. Everything in life has a solution. Even if it is or seems difficult to overcome, to function properly and healthily, we need to have a good mental and emotional health.

Guidance on the law about minors:

On April 28, 2016 I attended a conference on minors, conducted by the Department of Family. The conference was hosted by the family attorney in the Justice Department, Wilmary Columbus. The conference was primarily aimed to discuss two very important topics: abuse and negligence. Abuse is defined as a father, mother or guardian of a child that causes or expose risk (intentional omission) and causes any physical, emotional, and mental damage, among others. Negligence is exposing a minor to lack of care, food, and home, among others. However, according to constitutional rights, parents have the right to raise their children as they wish, but this is not absolute as there is a "Parens Patriae" in which the state has the authority or power to intervene when minors or disabled persons cannot defend themselves to provide protection. So, this right yields to the power of the state if a parent is mistreating or neglecting a child. That is where the Law 246 passed in 2011 arises; this law works especially in Puerto Rico with juvenile cases. This brought a new public policy on what is the intervention with cases of abuse of minors. In Puerto Rico, cases of child abuse as cases of domestic violence are the topic of the day; so there is a duty of the citizen; in which it is our responsibility to talk to the authorities if they see or witness any act of violence. Sometimes this does not happen because we fear for the consequences that could happen, but police telephone lines are completely confidential and witness protection programs as well.

As far as I'm concerned, we were born to live and be free, not to be treated like rag dolls. Every human being deserves respect and has rights which must be enforced. This is why it is important in our duty as citizens to have knowledge about the laws because we live in a country in which the crime wave increases every day, more violence and patterns of abuse is generated. Being informed allows us to recognize possible patterns of abuse and what procedures to follow in cases like these because throughout our career as future psychologists this is something that we’ll often witness and must learn to handle.

                                                                  

Family Therapy: Techniques for psychologists

Family therapy is a therapeutic discipline that addresses the intervention and treatment of the family as a whole. From the systemic point of view, the term family and couple therapy is used. However, it is understood that the object of intervention are family systems and subsystems. Family therapy can be developed from different fields, such as psychotherapy. The main objectives of family therapy are: improving the functioning of the family at different levels, increasing mutual understanding and emotional support among members the members, and developing coping strategies and problem-solving skills to different dilemmas and life situations. In family therapy, the therapist works with the family so they can try new ways of interacting with each other or think ways they can solve their problems.

In order to accomplish this, therapists use techniques to facilitate communication. Also, the therapist is free to move around the room, sit next to a family member to achieve establish an emotional connection with those who are resistant or draw attention to a family member. The therapist can also start a conversation between two family members to see their relationship from their perspective. Therapists help clients define treatment goals to improve the problem or symptom. They see development in the life cycle of the individual and couple or family. At the same time, they understand that the relationship between families members created with the use of different techniques is more effective. Listening, empathizing, interpreting and maintain analytical neutrality in family therapy several techniques are several techniques that therapists use. Of these four basic techniques, which are simple but not easy, the most important one is hearing. The therapist’s biggest job is to listen. The therapist does not confront or lead; he or she allows the family to submerge themselves in the experience. When the therapist intervenes, it expresses understanding, support and performs interpretations. Before attempting to make a change in the family, you should question your understanding of them, which he/she clearly understands by their knowledge of the family’s personality and behavior.

However, I believe that family therapy is extremely important because regardless of the problems the family faces, they must solve them to have a better quality of life. The goal of family therapy is to maintain the bond between parents and children, which can be achieved through communication. I believe that seeking help is the best solution to clarify existing problems and maintaining harmony. Family is extremely important and although parents decide not to continue together, family dysfunction should not exist nor affect any party, including children. In addition, as mentioned before, techniques to be performed by a psychologist during therapies are important because these are the key to success for a good handle of individuals, groups, couples and family therapy.

A neuroconstructive approach to manage obesity:

Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate in the fourth symposium of neuropsychology at the University of Puerto Rico in Cayey offered by Dr. Laura Oliver Trinidad Ph.D. A number of topics related to psychology and mental health which are closely linked to biological and cognitive problems that directly affect humans were discussed. One of the topics that caught my attention was obesity, as it is a problem we can see on a social level and brings a number of biological, physical and emotional consequences.

Statistics and studies carried out in 2013 in Puerto Rico reported that the prevalence of obesity was 66.6%. Obesity stood out more in women with depression than men. You can see that there is a correlation between obesity and depressive symptomatology. This factor is very common as obesity brings many physical consequences but many emotional problems as well. The causes of obesity are not necessarily “eating more than you burn”, as some think. Obesity happens due to mental problems, drugs, genetic, diet changes, inactivity, among others; these can lead the individual to obtain a weight which exceeds the limits for a healthy weight according to your height and muscle mass. To work with obesity in the field of Psychology, therapists must achieve a change in the lifestyle of the person, persuade them to attend support groups, and help them set short and long term goals. In addition, psychotherapy, family, social and marital relations are very important for a person with depression and obesity, since support is essential for effective improvement. By having enough family support they will feel more secure and confident to go ahead and eliminate negative thoughts and life styles.

Disorder: Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a "disorder of neurotic origin characterized by a systematic rejection of food which is usually observed in young people." This disorder is accompanied by other risk factors such as: anxiety, this is present in anorexia nervosa as the person suffering from this disorder possibly went through a traumatic event or "emotional chaos" in his life, such as emotional abuse because of their weight. Distress can be targeted whether caused by a specific or generalized atmosphere. However, deterioration is another factor that is very present in any condition as in the case of anorexia. According to the DSM V, anorexia nervosa is a food restriction problem and it is important to keep those thoughts healthy; the person may not function at an optimal level since it is not properly fed. In addition, the deterioration can be seen in excessive weight loss, physical exhaustion, health conditions due to poor diet, among others. People with this behavior feel good and okay, but from another point of view, this behavior is considered an "abnormal behavior". Symptoms such as irritability, depression and emotional or personality disorders may cause risk to the person itself or those around because they do not know the way the patient can react. There are more factors that influence these risk behaviors which are beyond the control of patients so psychological help is important to treat this disorder.

As far as I'm concerned, I believe that anorexia nervosa is an "abnormal behavior" because this disorder has a number of reasons that are not within the standards of the DSM V. In addition, as mentioned above I've seen what anorexia can cause both physically, emotionally and psychologically as I did this exercise taking into account a real example. I believe that this disorder is more present in young adults who may die because of this abnormal behavior. However, this disorder can be treated, but is a process that requires a lot of time for the person to be rehabilitated and try to live a normal life inside the "social standards". Often, the same society is leading to this type of abnormal behavior because of the stigma, prejudices, and stereotypes. 

Psychology and Special Education:

     Psychology plays a major role in special education, as it has a scope that no other science can also be complement thereof to achieve. As we have seen, special education should always be approached from an interdisciplinary. The psychologist must handle and address how they feel, think, learn and know the children with special needs, to help them adapt to the environment in which they operate. The main functions of the psychologist in special education are the psychological evaluation, educational psychometric and intervention with the student in various forms. They can also be a part of the planning committee and location, participate in draft legislation, provide consulting to parents, teachers and other professionals working on the development and implementation of behavioral modification, reasonable accommodation, among others. However, psychology is deeply rooted to education and that is worrying to the management of special education in Puerto Rico.

     Special Education in Puerto Rico is very alarming since throughout the years, still, these children not have the attention that they need. Special education is defined as special help designed to meet different needs of children with disabilities. According to the critics of newspaper articles that arise in Puerto Rico, these necessities have not being met for the children. There are countless news headlines that blame the Department of Education regarding the services and rights that have children with disabilities. From the downsizing of personnel, whom were removed to work in other areas that have no interaction with the children, to changes in the system; this makes children not receive the help they need. 

   Special education can include special instructions in the classroom, the home, hospitals, institutions, or other environments. Out of those options, the classroom is the most important since the child receives the education. Education is fundamental for the development of an individual and more important is the person has a disability since they can develop better in motor and intellectual activities. Now, when the Department of Education made these cuts of educational personnel to other areas in which there is no interaction with children, there is damage being done to the development of the latter. Children are being disenfranchised from their rights. These children deserve better services to help them develop into responsible adults.

Are there signs indicating that a person is a pedophile?

     Pedophilia is a mental disorder that does not have a defined profile to identify these sex offenders, but there are a number of indicators or red flags. The president of the College of Professional Social Work, Emil Alicea Larry Rodriguez says "we must look if the adolescent have sexual behaviors that goes beyond their age and has interest in children younger". However, another red flag indicator is a constant interest of searchin children nudity since it may indicate suffering from mental disorder of pedophilia. In these cases, parents or guardians can stop the problem in time seeking psychological and therapeutic help as this is a pattern that continues into adulthood. There is debate about whether pedophilia is congenital or acquired since you can not determine the exact origin of it, and if there really is a cure. The neuropsychologist Teresa Dalmau says that "it is a matter that remains debatable, as is highly variable whether cured or not, the pedophile is like - a drug or alcohol addict, after therapies and treatments, knows his way and control their impulses, but must be handled preemptively. Dalmau, said that Puerto Rico is a hotbed of pedophiles because society does not know when they arrive or where are these compared to the United States where they have to disclose to the community mental disorder (pedophilia). In the case of Puerto Rico, the persons responsible for carrying out treatments for sex offenders are ASSMCA which is the leading provider of mental health in the country.

(Newspaper El Nuevo Día / Tuesday, February 27, 2016 / electronic version)

     As far as I'm concerned, mental health is a problem that affects us all as a society globally since in many cases it is not known how to eradicate or help people with mental disabilities, and pedophilia is one of them. I chose this story because it is a topic that is related to my future plans as forensic psychologist in the area of ​​child sexual offenses. I believe that in Puerto Rico and various countries have to deal with cases of pedophile or child abuse and learn to recognize potential sex offenders because as the neuropsychologist Teresa Dalmau said the company does not know when or where they are coming. However, a case of sexual assault should be treated more effectively and deliver a consistent message through which parents and relatives know how to identify these mental disorders; especially if a child has been sexually assaulted.

 "Selfies" and plastic surgeries"

     Today is very common to be connected to social networks and take "selfies" (photos taken by oneself) either to share with others our achievements or daily life; but it has been seen that this method leads to physical insecurity. According to a survey of 2,700 clinics by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, it showed that one of three clinics had noticed an increase in cosmetic procedures because patients were much more attentive to their image in social media. Sam Rizk plastic surgeon has his clinic in Manhattan and says that many patients arrive with their cell phones and show their pictures showing physical defects they believe they have. Rizk says that "selfies begin to be crazy" because the photographs represent a distorted image of reality, so often rejected patients with selfies. The American Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,  business volume has increased by 25%, although they may not realize the relationship between the "selfies" and increasing cosmetic surgeries, this does not rule out that this had influenced. However, in the case of Europe, particularly in Spain the crisis has prevented this type of evolution. The Spanish surgeon Moisés Martín Anaya says that "social networks, increases the complex of many teenagers and, therefore, the desire to make the desired change in appearance, is not the same complex operated by whim". Mostly, people get plastic or reconstructive surgeries are performed because they want to end a physical defect that prevents them personal development unlike others that they do on a whim and social trends.

(Newspaper: The New Day / Tuesday, March 20, 2016)

     I believe that technological media have been a breakthrough for humanity, but in recent years have damaged the mental and emotional health of society. Mostly many teens are influenced by various modalities, in this case the famous "selfies" which can achieve certain risk factors such as inferiority complexes, obsession, insecurity, among others. Currently, many young people and adults depend on their physical appearance and how it is projected through social networks, creating certain complex and obsessions such as plastic surgery. However, on occasion we have been driven by some kind of fashion, starting from the clothes we choose ourselves to be connected in social networks, but this should not take over our daily lives.

Self-esteem and Puerto Rican youth: Effectiveness of an intervention model to improve self-esteem and reduce symptoms of depression. Puertorriqueña Psicología magazine.

      Many of our youths are suffering from symptoms of depression and low self-esteem. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the workshops offered by the program Improving Your Self-Esteem (META) of the Office for the Promotion and Human Development, Inc. in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. This program is intended to strengthen the self-esteem of adolescents and young adults. Also, to see  if these were effective in reducing symptoms of depression and evaluate the existence of a relationship between self-esteem and depression (Rosello, Toro-Alfonso & Vera, 2010). The method used was mixed. They are involving a total of 70 people between the ages of 16-29 years. Based on this research it showed that the workshops offered by the META program are effective in improving self-esteem and also for reducing symptoms of depression. Therefore, a relationship between self-esteem and depression reflection, the more symptoms of depression lower self-esteem levels shown. Programs like this should continue training to help our youth and lead them to self-acceptance. No matter if you are weak or thin, overweight or obese, we are human beings with a purpose which we must fulfill.

     As far as I'm concerned, these programs are very helpful for people who are facing problems with depression and low self-esteem because of their appearance. Depression and low self-esteem are negative factors which affect our way of life, including people around us. It is important to strengthen our positive emotions in order to get right with ourselves. In addition, identifying depression or any emotional problems in time decreases the risk of suffering from severe depression in the future. However, reading tells us how important it is to be well with ourselves and love ourselves as we are and that everyone has a purpose to fulfill in this life. Love yourself, respect yourself and value yourself.

Technique of release of stress for A/a techno stress:

The technique of release of stress, better known as "tapping" can help a person "techno-addicted" identifying the different stressors that has the subject with respect to its constant addiction to the technology. A person addicted to techno face this opposition falls into the frustration because its world tour and constantly depends of an electronic device, so this stressor could damage their health in various ways such as: the bad mood, anxiety and despair, among others. In addition, as mentioned in the article, the techno-dependence causes stressful levels on the subject already that feels the desire and need to be constantly attached to his means of technology, so that the hour of sleep are shortened, there is greater fatigue as a result of not sleeping correctly and the stress caused by the unit, there is increased deconcentrating toward other things and greater backwardness to perform tasks or responsibilities. The "tapping", can serve in the reduction or elimination of stressors because it is a technique in which identifies these emotional blocks caused by stress. I have the notion that if a person techno-addicted goes to a coaching; this may remove those locks, frustrations and diverse emotions caused by the unit. In addition, are techniques that serve for the remainder of his life as human beings we tend to be constantly exposed to stress in our daily living.

Today we can see that the technology has evolved in a drastic way, but in the same way the human being is still tardy since in some cases as says the psychologist Antonio Cano, some people have a phobia and other tend to rely on this. I believe that as people thinking, we must have the capacity and responsibility to make proper use of the technological means, exercising the absolute control because sometimes we let ourselves be carried away by both the technology that we neglect our role as a citizen. In addition, we put an end to our mental presence more in networks focusing social and move away from the society; especially the family since it does not establish dialogs or intra-family relations. I believe that the most important thing is to be able to create this balance in use technology more by necessity than by bone and decrease the risk of stress in our lives by means of stress management techniques.

Third Generation Suicide:

    When choosing a psychology career, a health professional always has to be mentally and emotionally prepared to confront and manage any type of situation. Suicide is a mental illness which is present worldwide in different

populations. This time, I will talk of suicide in the elderly; seniors have a high

tendency to commit these acts.Then I’ll explain in detail which types of suicide

and what represents  this suicidal behavior in this population.

Suicide is an autoaggression act caused by a person to end its life. This is

considered a major health problem gradually. Nevertheless, suicide it’s divided

into two types: authentic suicide, which is more common en men between the

ages of 30 to 40, with a male to female ratio of 3:1. The second type is called

parasuicide which is governed by blackmail and manipulation since the person’s ultimate goal is not to culminate in his life, is a kind of reversing and getting

out ending their life. Suicide is complex because the reasons that an individual

has to want to end his life are diverse; sometimes it is due to personal, social

problems, or both. However, most of these suicides are committed by men  over 60 by a firearm, intake of antidepressants and hanging. However, through the study of materials and methods, a bibliographical review was performed

and methods used documentary analysis and synthesis, which released the

results. One of the main risk factors inducing suicide in older adults is

depression, which is linked to other diseases; which is why the suicidal behavior of the elderly can be detected faster but their suicide attempts are more abrupt compared with youth. It can prevent  depression and suicide through

support and family contact.

As far as I am concerned, I consider suicide a mental illness which can be

minimized by means of  support. Identifying these risk behaviors in time and

getting the person professional help and family support, can significantly reduce this

 behavior. Many times, people with suicide like behaviors try to get help,

but not directly. It is a call by behaviors or suicidal depression factor which leads to it. However, one should be alert to identify possible signs of suicide in

different populations, and watch our  elderly as these also have problems.

     Welcome to my Mental Health Psychology blog! My name is Kathleen Morales and during the next few weeks you’ll find blog reports about my future profession. I am cursing my fourth year of Bachelor’s with a concentration in Mental Health Psychology. I am very passionate about this career since there is intellectual disability in everyone. Nevertheless, the objective of this blog is to talk about my learning experience and preparation for the future. Every week I will be talking about different psychology topics that have to do with mental health, behavioral problems, and emotional problems. I hope this blog helps you learn about diverse psychology topics which is present in our every day lives.