Seven Standards for Adolescent Mental Health: Scientific Emotional Management to Protect Men's Health

Psychological Characteristics and Health Care During Adolescence

Boys experience many physiological changes during puberty, such as the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics, rapid increase in height and weight, prominent Adam's apple, and nocturnal emissions. Alongside physical development, many psychological changes also occur, such as mood swings, attraction to the opposite sex, and easily shifting interests. The standards for assessing physical health are relatively clear, such as height and weight appropriate for age, good vision and hearing, normal heart and lung function, and an enlarged liver and spleen. However, judging psychological health during puberty is not so simple. Specifically, there are the following seven criteria:

First, resemblance to others. People are similar to each other, although not absolutely identical, and differences exist, but these differences have certain limits. This is true both physiologically and psychologically. For example, when hearing the word "moon," some people associate it with "sun," some with "stars," and some with "night"—all of these are normal reactions. If someone associates the "moon" with "death," it's clearly unusual and difficult for others to understand. If this happens frequently, attention should be paid to whether their psychological state is normal. Extending this further, if a person's thoughts, speech, behavior, hobbies, clothing, etc., differ greatly from others, their mental health may be compromised.

Secondly, it should be age-appropriate. When we say "similar to others," there's a condition: comparison with people of similar age. Human behavior changes with physical and mental development. People of different ages differ in their thoughts, interests, and behaviors. Children have children's interests, and the elderly have their hobbies. What teenagers enjoy chasing may seem meaningless to the elderly. Adolescence should be a stage of abundant energy and activity, requiring the courage of "a newborn calf not afraid of a tiger." However, those children who are described as "precocious" are, from a mental health perspective, not very healthy. Thirdly, be good at getting along with others. We all live in society and are members of it. No one can exist in isolation. During adolescence, our social circle expands, so being good at getting along with others is an important aspect of mental health. To learn to get along well with others, we need to interact with them frequently. In these interactions, we can learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses, cultivate a spirit of mutual assistance and cooperation, enrich our experience of group life, and develop the ability to adapt to others. During adolescence, normal interactions between male and female students should also be encouraged.

Fourthly, be optimistic and enterprising. A cheerful mood indicates mental health, just as a normal pulse indicates physical health. Optimistic people are proactive in everything they do, unafraid of difficulties, and can quickly adjust their mindset even when faced with misfortune, rather than lingering in sorrow and depression. Conversely, those who are sentimental and frequently depressed are psychologically unhealthy. Moreover, the lower the mood, the more severe the psychological unhealthiness.

Fifthly, react appropriately. Everyone reacts to things at different speeds and to varying degrees. Some people react quickly, while others react slowly. However, these differences shouldn't be too great. A quick reaction doesn't mean overreacting; a slow reaction doesn't mean being sluggish, much less not reacting at all. If someone's reaction is extreme, their mental health is not good. For example, a female student being startled by a sudden clap of thunder is a normal reaction. However, if she becomes terrified and cries out, that's an overreaction, indicating emotional instability. It's normal for a student to feel unhappy after failing an exam. However, if they stop eating for days or even have suicidal thoughts, it may indicate mental health issues. Of course, a student who is indifferent to failing an exam is also not necessarily mentally healthy.

Sixth, facing reality. Psychologically healthy people can face reality, understand their environment, grasp its potential, and even create it. When faced with difficulties, they are always willing to acknowledge reality, identify the problem, and find a solution. Conversely, mentally unhealthy individuals, unable to adapt to their environment, often resort to escapism. When faced with difficulties, they either pretend not to see them, like ostriches burying their heads in the sand to avoid predators, or they daydream, seeking satisfaction in an imaginary world. Of course, both are unrealistic, only achieving self-deception, and over time, can develop into a pathological condition.

Seventh, logical thinking. A mentally healthy person, whatever they do, is methodical, focused, and sees things through to the end. They have the determination and perseverance to overcome difficulties, rather than being indecisive or starting things but not finishing them. Their thinking is logical, and their speech is clear and organized, rather than rambling or forgetting what they said.

Emotions Affect Health

Ancient Chinese medical practitioners, through long-term observation and summarization, categorized human emotions into seven types: joy, anger, worry, pensiveness, grief, fear, and fright, known as the "Seven Emotions." They further pointed out that "joy injures the heart, anger injures the liver, worry injures the lungs, pensiveness injures the spleen, and fear injures the kidneys." Modern medical research also shows that dozens of diseases, including cancer, coronary heart disease, hypertension, ulcers, neurosis, hyperthyroidism, migraines, diabetes, asthma, and neurodermatitis, are related to a person's emotional state.

So, why can emotional states affect a person's health? Scientists have conducted numerous studies on this question and proposed various theoretical hypotheses. Currently, while there is no definitive conclusion, most theories tend to suggest that under different emotional states, the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and autonomic nervous system undergo certain biochemical changes, thereby causing changes in the function of bodily organs.

Scientists have discovered that when people are fearful or grieving, the gastric mucosa turns white, and gastric acid secretion stops, which can lead to indigestion. Conversely, when people are anxious, angry, or resentful, the gastric mucosa becomes congested, and gastric acid secretion increases, making them highly susceptible to stomach ulcers. Under the stimulation of high tension or sudden excitement, the body's adrenaline secretion increases, causing physiological changes such as rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and accelerated blood circulation. These changes are difficult for patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases to withstand. Therefore, it is common for people to die from myocardial infarction or cerebral hemorrhage while watching intense sporting events.

How can we maintain a good mood to improve health? People with a good mood tend to view things and think about problems in a positive way, focusing on the bright, beautiful, and positive aspects of everything. They always maintain a positive attitude towards life, and when faced with setbacks, they always think, "Things always turn out for the better," "Opportunities may arise at any time," and "Life is wonderful." Psychological research shows that having positive aspirations, strong beliefs, and a tenacious will are prerequisites for maintaining optimism. The proverb "Contentment brings happiness" is also a very good way to maintain optimism. Here are some suggestions for readers:

(1) Set reasonable and realistic life goals for yourself. Otherwise, setting goals too high and expectations too great can easily lead to self-harm if setbacks occur.

(2) Don't place excessive expectations on anything, and don't have unrealistic or unreasonable thoughts.

(3) Be good at discovering the bright, beautiful, and positive aspects of things, and learn to use so-called flexible thinking—being willing to compromise and make concessions on non-principle issues.

(4) Deal wisely with any setbacks and grievances in life and work, and be able to extricate yourself as quickly as possible.

(5) Cultivate some hobbies to enrich your life as much as possible. (6) Make many friends and learn to socialize, especially cultivate a few close confidants you can confide in.

(7) Develop good eating habits, avoid picky eating and excessive drinking. Actively participate in various recreational and fitness activities, and ensure you get enough sleep every day.