Lesson 2: Developing a Positive Identity Chapter 7 Lesson 2: Developing a Positive Identity

Your Personal Identity -your sense of yourself as a unique individual Your identity is like a jigsaw puzzle: Your interests Your likes and dislikes Your talents and abilities Your values and beliefs Your goals What are some aspects of YOUR identity that make you unique???

Working Toward a Healthy Identity Recognize Your Strengths and Weaknesses Demonstrate Positive Values Develop a Purpose in Life Form Meaningful Relationships Contribute to the Community Avoid Unhealthy Risk Behaviors

Chapter 7 Lesson 3: Understanding Emotions Emotions- signals that tell your mind and body how to react. Emotions are often referred to as feelings. They are the responses to certain thoughts and events. Emotions effect everyone in different ways.

Different Types of Emotions

Some people show little to no emotions at times…this does not mean that they do not have feelings. We are all unique!

Chapter 7 Lesson 4: Managing Emotions Health literate people know positive strategies for expressing needs, want, and feelings. What are some positive strategies that you use? *Negative ways of dealing with emotions do nothing to solve problems! Often times they worsen the situation. What are negative ways of dealing with emotions?

Responding to Your Emotions Look below the surface: what are you really reacting to? Does the emotion match the situation? Will the situation matter tomorrow, next week, or even in a year? Don’t take action until you have considered the consequences of the action. Use positive feelings to inspire yourself. If negative feelings do not go away, seek help (friends, family, professionals)

Managing Difficult Emotions Take slow, deep breaths and relax! Get away and compose yourself. Write in a private journal. Play/listen to music. Talk your feelings over with parents and friends.

Defense Mechanisms-mental processes that protect individuals from strong or stressful emotions and situations. Common Defense Mechanisms: Repression-unconsciously pushing of unpleasant feelings out of conscious thought. Suppression- consciously pushing unwanted thoughts from one’s mind. Rationalization-making excuses rather than taking responsibility for situation or behavior. Regression -reverting to earlier developmental characteristics vs. handling it in a mature manor. Denial - not acknowledging what others see as obvious. Compensation-making up for mistakes through gift giving, hard work, or extreme efforts. Projection-attributing your own feelings or faults to another person or group. Idealization- seeing someone as perfect or more worthy than others. Toughest Emotions to Handle: FEAR, GUILT, ANGER