Health Education: self-esteem as a topic for adolescents in a state school in Curitiba, state of Paraná

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594492431054

• Palavras-chave: Health education. Teaching and Community Integration. Self-esteem.

• Keywords: Health education. Teaching and Community Integration. Self-esteem.

• Abstract:

  Introduction: Self-esteem is an important indicator of mental health in adolescence. Disturbances during this period are known to trigger intense psychological suffering, related to physical appearance, interpersonal relationships, and functional capacity. To alleviate the anguish, teenagers may resort to self-harm. Thus, this case report aimed to promote reflection on self-esteem in adolescents and reinforce the role of health professionals in this context.
  Case description: The activity was developed by medical students supervised by the professor of Teaching and Community Integration at College Pequeno Príncipe, in Curitiba, state of Paraná. The Community Health Agent from the Basic Health Unit (BHU) presented the case of the state school in the territory, where cases of self-mutilation had been reported among students in the 6th and 7th grades.
  Technique or situation: The gymkhana was based on drawing commands such as “Give yourself a compliment”, “Give a compliment to the colleague next to you” and other challenges such as “Nominate a colleague you trust a lot”.
  Case discussion: Low self-esteem can result in emotional distress, depression, anxiety, social isolation, and substance abuse. During the activity, several factors were identified to be analyzed, such as the relationship between students and the relationship with self-image. All students participated and managed to praise themselves, even if some had difficulty. Few praised their own physical appearance, and others briefly expressed their feelings but everyone showed sensitivity by praising their colleagues.
  Conclusion: The dynamics developed in the classroom encouraged students to reflect on themselves and others. More strategies addressing self-esteem and other conflicts in adolescence are needed, as well as a closer proximity between the school and the BHU.