CEHS Oracle - Issue 3

the

columbus east’s student newspaper november 13, 2015 | volume 44, issue 3

THROUGH THE STAGES

where mental health has been, where it is now

YOGA WITHIN EAST staff relaxes weekly through meditation

MENTAL HEALTH APPS stress relief, insomina help, and others

OUR BRAIN FUNCTIONS an inside look at the brain

N O S R E P I AM A L A T N E NOT A M M E L B O R P H T L A HE

[the oracle | november 13, 2015 | page 2

Glorification of Suicide Problematic In a society that has this stigma surrounding depression, it seems all too strange that suicide is glorified in popular media, right? If, perhaps, you are not necessarily aware of what this means, there is quite a representative portion of films and novels that have mental illness, typically depression, and suicide as some type of theme.

For some reason, authors and filmmakers see depression as poetic; it has some aesthetic that adds an entirely new level of depth. And really, the fact that these themes occur isn’t really strange at all.

“Here’s to my love! (drinks the poison) O true apothecary, Thy drugs are quick.

Thus with a kiss I die.”

-Romeo Montague

With the most famous and idolized love story of all time romanticizing suicide, it is almost inevitable that this romanticism carries on to influence literature today. But even so, the fact that suicide was glorified in one of the most famous pieces of literature of all time is no justification.

Suicide and mental illness are enormous issues in the United States. And these media representations don’t really praise these issues, but they can normalize them to an extent.

Here is where an awkward balancing act comes into play: as a society, we want to help people that are struggling with depression and reiterate to them that they are not alone in their fight, but we also do not want to pretend suicide is something normal.

In addition to this, there is a

page 3 | november 13, 2015 | the oracle]

Letter from an Editor: Emotions Make Us Human

the

columbus east’s student newspaper

Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Smith Editor of CEHSNews.com Bryn Eudy Austin Lewis fine line that is danced around after someone commits suicide.

The difference in celebrating their life and celebrating their death can get skewed, and that is a serious problem. With media already representing suicide as poetic and romantic, celebrating one’s act of suicide is inappropriate.

There was a recent story in the news about a teenage girl that relentlessly urged her depressed boyfriend to commit suicide. She would text him and tell him that “everyone would get over it because they knew he was sad and did it to be happy” and “everyone will be sad for a while but they will get over it and move on.”

And honestly, movies and novels may not have had anything to do with this. There is no merit to media affecting people whatsoever. After all, correlation does not show causation.

Yet, movies and books romanticizing depression and glorifying depression certainly do not help the issues America has with mental illness and suicide.

It really is pretty sick that the most beautiful thing two “star-crossed” lovers can do is die for each other.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only. This article does not express the opinion of The Oracle, Columbus East High School or Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation.

Editor of Design Kira Singer Editor of Content Kennedi Satterfield Staff Elizabeth Albertson Ben Allen MacKenzie Brown Irma Bruce Julie Connor Levi Copas Caleb Davidson Olivia Fahey Isaac Harper Jacob Harpring Megan Hashimoto Nicole Hendrickson Lily Hilderbrand Reilly Jones Caleb Kinnaird

Michaela Landis Abigail Larken Austin Lewis Maggie Lewis Erin Louden Tanner McFall Sam Newell Corbin Parmer Oscar Richter Josie Royer Natalie Ryan Bailey Schroeder Lauren Schumacher Caroline Steinrock Brooke Williams

Adviser Scott Duncan

To read complete articles about mental health, check us out at CEHSnews.com.

Dear Reader, It is challenging to put something

into words that seems only feelings can describe. The grip of sadness that clings onto your back from day to day, the trigger that makes you feel that the only control you have over body is your breathing or the loneliness that causes you to stay in bed, for who knows however long. The various forms this adversary can take are absurd, but the lasting effects upon an individual are tragic.

Mental illnesses cause emotions to stir and ideas to spread throughout your entire entity. These emotions can come and go like waves and the gloomy ideas can flood your thoughts from morning to night. However, I am here to tell you that it is okay to be in the tides of depression, anxiety or any other form of mental illness. There are people to save you from drowning: you and your life are worth living.

The emotions you are feeling whether they are anger, sorrow, fear or guilt- are valid. There are not “silly” emotions. Every individual in society is wired differently, resulting in diverse responses to situations. Just because someone else feels differently doesn’t mean what you are feeling is wrong.

Emotions are part of being human; a part of living in this harsh world. Therefore, it is okay to cry. It is okay to feel anxious or scared. You don’t need hide from others what you are feeling.

If you are struggling with these emotions, it is okay to talk to someone.

Needing help does not show weakness.

Everyone needs a helping hand at some point or another.

Sometimes you may feel that you are too much, too sensitive or too needy for someone to listen. However,

you are none of those things: you are enough. I understand it is easy to feel alone when people aren’t able to communicate with you in the way you need.

With this, it is hard not to connect this silence as a reflection of your worth.

People who are caught up in their own responsibilities or struggles aren’t rude or uncaring – they are just busy and self-focused. And that’s okay, also.

On the contrary, there are people there to listen. I know it may seem this chaotic world has everyone on a string, but there are adults, teachers, coaches, family members and friends ready to hear what you have to say.

The words “it is going to get better” are not convincing coming from someone who does not know your pain: someone who does not know the struggles you bear constantly. I can also say that when people tell you to be “more positive,” they do not understand how much darkness and negativity already engulfs your mind. Those words may not change your mindset, but hope can make a difference.

The world may seem too dark to see the colors of your future, but the stars find a way to shine through all those miles of darkness set between them and us. Fighting to overcome somber ideas and emotions is a challenge, but it is possible. Looking towards a brighter day can slowly, but surely, help one get through the day, through the week, through the year and so on.

Sincerely,

Kennedi Satterfield, Editor Of Content

page 5 | november 13, 2015 | the oracle]

[the oracle| november 13, 2015 | page 4

mental

Suicide and Depression Stigmas: Through the Generations

by Isaac Harper

Designed by Reilly Jones

American society has had evolving views of suicide throughout the generations. Whether it's evolving with the taboos or outlooks, the subject is undoubtedly changing.

If you ask your parents about the topic, you likely will be reminded of the seriousness of the situation. But this response doesn’t really give us the view of the subject from the eyes of an older person.

If asked to elaborate, compared to how the topic is dealt with today, the answers can be quite shocking.

“I grew up in Jennings County in the ‘60s and ’70s, and you didn’t talk about it,” Jeff Burgmeier, a Special Education and Social

Studies teacher, said.

When asked about how suicide and depression were viewed in his childhood community, Burgmeier stated that they were silenced topics- not spoken about often, if at all.

This was the common answer when asked among the older generations. This was their way of trying to combat it. Whether this was the right way or not, it’s how it was.

Throughout the 2000s, social media undoubtedly rose in popularity. This perfect idea to keep people connected and friendly lead to negativity with topics such as cyberbullying and social disconnection.

“I would like to see

online [connections] and social [media] go away; it’s not a physical connection,” Burgmeier said.

Information from Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, a nonprofit organization started to raise awareness of suicide publically, support this reasoning. Statistics show that from 1986 to 2000 suicide rates dropped significantly, and then rose again 2000 to 2013.

The point being made by Burgmeier is that with the rise of social media and online interactions, the tradition of physically being connected and constantly being surrounded by friends is dwindling.

Getting rid of heavy social media influences

is going to be difficult, but after asking other teachers and older peers the answer was pretty simple.

“One of the main things, is that every student needs to feel like they are cared about,” Science teacher Sherry Settle said.

Not only should students be cared about, but they should also carefully be taught through school. The importance of knowing signs and picking up on cues could save a life.

[For full story, see CEHSnews.com]

[the oracle| november 13, 2015 | page 6

page 7| november 13, 2015 | the oracle]

Society’s Perception of Suicide and Depression Today

by Caroline Steinrock When you think of illnesses, your mind probably goes straight to a long list of physical complications and dilemmas. However, there is an entire other region of illness aside from the physical portion.

This other region is mental illness.

One of the most common mental illnesses today is depression.

Teens, in general, have a high chance of being affected by depression.

Whether it is a friend who is it experiencing it or that person themselves.

Today, depression is an extremely complex subject that should not be taken lightly.

Kelly H. Lee, an experienced psychologist in Columbus, provided insight into how depression can develop in youth.

“Depression, for many teens, is brought on by puberty, the surging of hormones and shifting of neurotransmitters in your body,” Lee said.

There are also certain “stressors” that can trigger depression in teens today. Some of these triggers are divorce, relational struggles such as a breakup or conflict with another person and the impact of social media.

“Today, teens are exposed to so much on

social media. In the past, adolescents didn’t have access to all the information and details that kids today have at their fingertips,” she said.

With the ability to know all the ups and downs of everyone’s everyday lives, teens often compare themselves to the situation of everyone else.

“Social media is the two extremes. Either someone is posting about something really great that happened, or something really bad that happened. It puts teens in a dangerous state of mind,” Lee said.

If you know someone who is struggling with depression or experi-

encing suicidal thoughts, it is very important to encourage them to seek help from a professional.

Talking to a friend and getting support is a healthy start, but friends cannot measure the tipping point. They do not have all of the tools necessary for getting to the root of the problem and solving it.

If you have the slightest concern that a friend may be suffering from depression, encourage them to speak with a coach, counselor or parent. These authoritative roles can also encourage the person to seek professional help.

Suicide and depression are serious issues in today’s world. Teens are at higher risk of depression, mainly due to the surge of hormones flowing through their youthful bodies. If depression goes without proper care or treatment, it can lead to dangerous thoughts and actions. If someone you know is dealing with these issues, encourage them to seek professional help. Don’t be afraid to speak up, step out of your comfort zone or talk to someone you don’t know very well. You could change someone’s life, or maybe even save it.

The Story behind a Student’s Life with Anxiety

by Abigail Larken

A doctor’s appointment originally to check on allergies took a scary turn for sophomore Tori Overfelt when she was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Overfelt knew the diagnosis was coming and was expecting the news when the doctor told her exactly what she thought.

In mid-April 2015, Overfelt was hit with the big news: she had a mental illness and had to face the challenges that came along with it. Since Overfelt is an extrovert, there were a lot of drastic changes that she had to deal with, despite her self-diagnosed before going to the doctor.

Overfelt started off by looking up her symptoms on the internet, and she only felt comfortable with telling her two closest friends

at the time about her believed anxiety disorder. She started sharing her feelings with a few other friends, until she decided it was probably time for her mother to know too.

When at the doctor’s office, Overfelt’s mother pushed her in the right direction and encouraged her to tell the doctor. Overfelt’s predictions were correct; she had generalized anxiety disorder.

Along with the diagnosis of generalized anxiety, Overfelt was prescribed a medication that she takes once a day that helps control her anxious feelings. The medication contains melatonin, a calming hormone.

She opts to take her medication at night so she isn’t drowsy during the day.

“I take [the medication] at night so it has

to last over the day, and often it helps, but it can’t cure it completely, or then I’d be in a daze all day,” Overfelt said.

Since the medication wears off throughout the school day, Overfelt has found other ways to help her when anxiety or panic attacks take over. When she gets stressed, she texts a close friend, usually sophomore Emily Hales, that she trusts to help her calm down and remind her that she will be okay.

Hales is one of Overfelt’s closest friends and has supported her through everything that has been uncovered. Not only was Hales one of the first people to know about the diagnosis, but she was also one of the two people that knew beforehand.

When Overfelt needs someone during

the school day, Hales is always there to help calm her down.

“If she starts to get anxious or worried about something, I’m like ‘No, it’s okay. Don’t be worried about that,’ and I’ll tell her reasons why she doesn’t have to be worried about it,” Hales said.

For Overfelt, her anxiety attacks usually come from overestimating small things in life, like approaching people.

“I’ll freak out over small things and overestimate them; anything really small that wouldn’t matter to a normal person,” Overfelt said. “I just freak out over it and think it is going to have a big effect on my life.”

[For full story, see CEHSnews.com]

[the oracle | november 13, 2015 | page 8

Depression is more common than AIDS, cancer and diabetes

COMBINED.

page 9 | november 13, 2015 | the oracle]

Females experience depression at roughly two times the rate of men.

Male deaths represent

79

Should Students with Anxiety Disorders be Graded on Their Participation in Class?

by Lily Hilderbrand

percent of all U.S. suicides.

Up to 80 percent of those treated for depression show an improvement in their symptoms generally within four to six weeks of beginning medication, psychotherapy, attending support groups or a combination of these treatments.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the world for those aged 15-44.

There is one death by suicide in the U.S. every 13 minutes.

One in five 18 to 25 year olds experienced a mental illness in the past year.

Information from CDC, WHO, TADs, SMH, NIH and DBSA.

80 to 90 percent of adolescents that seek tr eatment for depr ession ar e tr eated successfully using ther apy and/or medication.

Despite its high treatment success rate, nearly two out of three people suffering with depression do not actively seek nor receive proper treatment.

Designed by Levi Copas

Freshman Regan Nichalson completes work in resource. Nichalson, who says she has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety, does not think presentations and participation should be graded. | photo by Megan Hashimoto Participation grade.

Those two words may excite some people because it means an easy A. To others, it may not mean much. They can shrug it off without a second thought.

However, those two words can make it hard for some students to breathe, make their minds go crazy and, in some cases, cause them to have a mental breakdown.

Many students have no problem with participating in class; all they have to do is answer a couple of questions or put their opinion into the conversation every once

in awhile. To students like freshman Kassidy Humes, it is not that easy.

“Anxiety makes me feel like I can’t breathe, and I get really like shaky and sweaty,” Humes said, who said she has been diagnosed with social anxiety.

So that raises a question: should students with anxiety be given a grade on their class participation?

“No, if I don’t do well in class just because I don’t participate or just because I don’t present, it’s frustrating to me because if I excel in that class by getting A’s on tests and homework,

it means that you have taught me well,” freshman Regan Nichalson said, who also said she has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety.

“My presentation skills and my participation in class shouldn’t affect my grade, especially if it makes me uncomfortable,” Nichalson said.

This simple question can open many doors to different outlooks and views on the subject.

“If someone had a broken leg they wouldn’t have to participate in gym, but if I have social anxiety, I still have to participate in class and that’s not fair,” Humes said.

According to guidance counselor Kristin Schuetz, students diagnosed with anxiety disorders should make the school aware of their diagnosis so that the school can find ways to accommodate them.

Students should inform their counselor at the start of the year to allow time to create an individual plan for the student.

“If a student has a diagnosed anxiety disorder from their medical doctor or psychiatrist, they need to make sure that that information is communicated with the counselors, and with the teacher so that we can, together, come up with a plan,” Schuetz said.

“I believe that teachers here do a fantastic job of working with students, working with counselors, working with parents and trying to create an environment that works well for each student,” she said.

With this being such a serious issue, it’s safe to say that the school and teachers would do anything they can do make a student feel safe.

Even though teachers may not change class requirements, they can work with students to create a plan to aid the students’ confidence and comfort.

[the oracle | november 13, 2015 | page 10

page 11 | november 13, 2015 | the oracle]

Helpful Apps for a Positive Mind

Media Madness: Its Effect on Mental Health

by Natalie Ryan

by Nicole Hendrickson

Movies Movies can affect mental health in multiple fashions.

Various movies put pressure on young adults to look or act a certain way. She’s All That (1999) starring Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook and Paul Walker, tells the story of a popular, high school jock named Zack (Prinze) who makes a bet with his best friend (Walker) that he can turn a nerdy, gothic girl named Laney (Cook) into the prom queen.

While Zack is successful at making Laney a likable person among students in their school, he does this by changing the way she looks, acts, and presents herself.

Watching a movie such as She’s All That can be damaging to mental health because one may feel that in order to be “popular” or “well-liked” one must act or look a certain way.

Despite these damaging movies, there are several films that are very uplifting. Take The Breakfast Club (1985), for example. The Breakfast Club stars Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy and Anthony Michael Hall. This movie depicts a Saturday spent in detention with five students with completely different backgrounds. at the beginning of the movie, none of the students are willing to talk or connect with one another, but at the end, the five leave as friends.

The Breakfast Club tells the importance of accepting people for who they truly are, which She’s All That fails to do.

In this article, several types of media are analyzed to prove the positive and negative effects they have on daily lives.

Music Similar to movies, there are negative and positive types of music as well. Often times, this has to deal with the music preference of the person.

That being said, there are several upbeat and uplifting songs.

“Love Myself” by Hailee Steinfeld is about not needing a significant other to be happy with oneself. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten is about picking yourself up when you feel down. “Mean” by Taylor Swift is about not letting bullies prevent you from being yourself.

An article on empowher.com by Darlene Oakley gives examples of the positive effects of music on your health. Music can be used as a distraction and a natural pain-reducer. Focusing on the lyrics or beats of a song can take one’s mind off of the pain one is experiencing.

Another benefit of music is that it is relaxing and can ease muscle tension, which is useful for athletes.

Social Media Several forms of social media can be harmful to your mental health. While Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and other apps can be great for connecting with friends, they can make people feel pressured to act or look a certain way.

While social media is a fast and easy way to learn information, a majority of the “facts” made available on these sites are false and unreliable.

Also, social media allows users to be involved in a large social group that can lead to many mental health issues. In a 2008 study at UCLA, researchers found that social media users are more likely to have ADHD and problems in the prefrontal cortex due to the fastpace fashion of social media sites and the speedy absorption of information.

Follow CEHSnews on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat and visit us at CEHSnews.com.

While many are directed primarily to those with anxiety or depression, everyone can experience the benefits these apps have to offer. Here are five to try if you are looking to become happier, calmer and healthier. Included is price and Apple App Store rating. All are available for both iOS and Android unless otherwise noted.

for a stress-relieving creative outlet: A self-proclaimed “coloring therapy for adults”, Colorfy provides a blank template for users to color with 27 free colors by simply tapping. There are many different themes, all with 5-10 free pictures available each, but there is also a monthly subscription option. The themes range from florals to cats, and the “Famous” theme includes classic paintings such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night but with the user’s personal twist. Colorfy is a productive distraction from stress inducers, and reviews state that it does an excellent job as an anxiety resource. Free or $7.99/month.

Rated 4.5/5 stars.

for help falling asleep: iSleep Easy is designed to help you fall and stay asleep with relaxing sounds and guided meditations. Available in the paid version are nine meditations ranging in length and subject, but all serve the common purpose of helping the listener fall asleep without worry. The free version has three meditations, but otherwise includes most of the same services as its counter.

For each meditation there is also a list of nature sounds and music to play in the background and after the meditation concludes. Paid version $4.99 or free. Rated 4.5/5 stars.

to release negative thoughts: Whenever unwanted negativity enters your mind, Let It Go allows to you to dispose of it forever. You type out your comment, and a random timer anywhere from 1-72 hours is selected. For that time, the thought is being “released”, and a light pattern is displayed when you click on the thought. No editing is allowed, and once the comment is gone, it is completely inaccessible. There is an option to post your thought on a community where you can read and remark on others’, although it is not the main focus of the app. Again, be very cautious, as the open community contains mature content. Free. Rated 5/5 stars.

for community support from strangers: Designed specifically towards those with mental illness, TalkLife is an international community where anyone can ask for and give support. Whenever you need to vent or ask for advice, there is always someone there who knows what you’re going through. You can also respond to others, which can be grounding by allowing you to realize that you are truly never alone. Please be very cautious, as material can be very triggering, and although advertised as safe and encouraging, comments are relatively unfiltered and often include strong language and mature references. Free. Rated 4/5 stars.

to control breathing and relax: A truly interactive app, BellyBio instructs the user to place their phone on their stomach near the navel. The app then records your breathing patterns and create music and light synchronized to your breathing. BellyBio is noted in reviews to be especially helpful in anxiety management, is a wonderful alternative to expensive devices serving the same purpose. Available on iOS only. Free with $0.99 in-app purchases of new songs. Rated 3/5 stars.

[the oracle | november 13, 2015 | page 12

page 13 | november 13, 2015 | the oracle]

Résumé Builders of Stress Relievers?: Extracurricular Activities compiled by Lauren Schumacher | photos by Lauren Schumacher and Natalie Ryan While many students see extracurriculars as a source of stress, some find them to be a social and mental outlet where they can be themselves. From band to basketball, extra activities can keep both your mind and your body active. Although out of school activities add extra events to students’ already busy schedule, they often find that they are happier and more engaged with their peers when doing their activity. Here are a few students’ opinions on their extracurricular activities.

Mattias Memering (11) Speech

Hannah Robinson (10) Band

“I like being able to compete against others and see how well I do against them. As for benefits, I’ve found that my dictation and speaking abilities are definitely heightened by doing speech.”

“It’s nice to be able to connect with people who share the same interests, especially music.

Usually when you share similar music interests, you usually have other things in common and you can express yourself.”

Emma Finerfrock (11) Academic Team

Jonathan Clayton (11) Boys’ Cross Country

Nicole Bodi (12) Key Club

Savannah Garrett (10) Olympian Chior

“It gets a lot of different groups of people together.

You could get people from the athletic group or the introverts and put them together in a room, and suddenly they’re all interested in the same things.”

“Key club is all volunteering, so I think a benefit is doing stuff not for your own benefit, but for someone else’s benefit. It kind of changes the mindset of why you’re doing something.”

Kary Horner (11) Girls’ Basketball

“I enjoy hanging out with my team and I’ve become really close to some of them. We always have fun and we always enjoy being around one another.”

“[It] kind of just gives me a time where I can get out and have fun around the city. It really relaxes me after a big day at school, clears my mind and gets me able to think more.”

“It’s just really fun to be in a group where you guys have your back for each other and I love learning and memorizing all different types of music. It just helps clear your head.”

Danilo Almeida (10) Technical Theatre

“Every day’s a new adventure.

There’s always something new. Every day we’re getting stuff done, we’re interacting with each other; it’s a friendly environment.”

Fight-or-Flight: The Science Behind Our Fears

by Jacob Harpring Mice aren’t really that scary, are they?

They are, after all, just small furry mammals, like gerbils or kittens. Certainly not as scary as an aye-aye. And yet, some people are absolutely terrified of mice. However, there are hundreds of fears and phobias that seem either ridiculous or well justified. The greater question is, why do humans get scared?

Fear is about as primordial and raw of a feeling as humans and other animals are capable of. It is essentially what keeps animals alive by encouraging decisions and reactions that improve chances of survival. The process of fear begins with a stimulus, something scary.

A loud noise, darkness, being alone, elevators, an unmarked white van or even a mouse, can all act as stimuli. Next, some complicated processes occur in the brain in a split second.

According to how stuffworks.com, what happens is the brain receives information that there is a potential danger. The brain then begins two actions. One is an immediate response where adrenaline rushes through the body to be ready to react quickly, eyes get wide to take in more light, and all the senses become more alert. This is all an immediate “fight-or-flight” response. The body is

instinctively preparing to survive, because preparing for a life or death situation and then not being in one is more preferable than the alternative.

Meanwhile, another part of the brain is less quick to assume anything and analyzes the situation. It takes in

Humans go through all that just so that the body is better prepared to survive. It seems interesting and very impressive, right up until something like a small furry mouse initiates this process. Then for a moment, life becomes survival or death by rodent.

And then the mouse

The fearsome but harmless aye-aye exemplifies irrational fear of certain animals. | graphic by Megan Hashimoto everything to determine if there is a threat and if so, what it is. If there is a danger, it will direct the body to take the necessary action. If not, it commences nervous laughter or something.

After that, it adds the entire occurrence to memory: everything about the stimulus, how the body reacted, and the results. Unless the result is death. Then it doesn’t remember that.

scurries away because it was going through the same thing. And everyone starts laughing. Then it’s not impressive, it’s just embarrassing.

It is not uncommon to have an irrational fear.

It could stem from a past experience, ingrained into the brain from an ancestral fear that used to be relevant but no longer is, or it could just be an over active imagination. Whatever the case,

humans are very capable of adapting. The part of the brain that remembers and logs fears and scary experiences can help overcome these same fears. Unfortunately, the only way to overcome them is by exposure to them.

Conditioning the brain to no longer associate a stimulus with fear takes time. Understanding a particular fear is the first step. Not knowing about something only increases the amount of fear and anxiety surrounding it. Next, talking about the fear can help tremendously, especially if it is with someone who does not have that fear.

After all, it’s hard to stop being scared of something when talking about it is scary. And don’t forget what Hermoine Granger said, “Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself.”

Finally, overcoming a fear requires slow and steady exposure to it.

Take baby steps to eventually eliminate the fear.

The body will condition itself to be more relaxed around the stimulus and the fear of it will be depleted. It may not be fun to condition the brain by exposure, but it is the only way to truly overcome a fear. But, if welcoming mice with open arms doesn’t sound very appealing, just remember that without fear, humans wouldn’t have lasted very long.

[the oracle | november 13, 2015 | page 14

page 15 | november 13, 2015 | the oracle]

Misconceptions Exist between Shame and Guilt

7

by Julie Connor

Guilt and shame are turning into an epidemic in our culture, but it turns out not many people know what those words mean.

According to Brené Brown, a vulnerability researcher, shame is highly correlated with addiction, depression, violence, aggression, bullying, suicide and eating disorders.

Guilt is inversely related to those symptoms.

Twenty percent of teens are depressed, while 15 percent often feel symptoms of depression and do not realize it. With a teen suicide every 10 minutes, the main causes should be identified and understood.

Yet, shame is tearing

yourself down because you, yourself, have the feeling that you are the “something bad” that is causing another person’s misfortunes. Guilt is the feeling that you have compromised your own standards that have now affected another person.

Psychology Today includes a few articles about how guilt and shame can be identified. A common phrase that reveals a sense of shame is, “I am not good enough or strong enough.” The word “enough” is an immense issue in our culture.

People that do not always excel in every activity in which they participate feel that they are

not enough. This leads to negative thoughts of shame. The idea of one’s self being “bad” is shame.

Some signs of shame are isolation, escaping, hiding and the desire to disappear. Shame is typically painful and is followed by anger and anxiety. Shameful people tend to brand themselves as one thing and see themselves that way when their peers in fact do not see that image of them at all.

Guilt is an emotionthat falls under the “sad” category in the six universal emotions chart. Guilt is the action that you did “something bad.” The guilt emotion

follows the thought that you caused one’s unfortunate situation.

Individuals who experience this emotion regularly suffer from the illusion that that they are causing or have caused other people harm. Guilt is a focus on “bad behavior”. Overcoming guilt normally involves amending and apologizing. Guilt is more about repairing the relationship and not mending the reputation.

Being able to recognize and report guilty and shameful behaviors could ultimately save a peer’s life.

by Maggie Lewis

1

4

2

3 4

Suprise

Disgust

Joy

Fear

Sadness

3

9

5

1

Paul Ekman, an American psychologist, identified these emotions as the six universal emotions. The emotions can be recognized in facial expressions all around the world, no matter what age, religion or gender. |Photos by Julie Connor

Anger

2

6

8

The Six Universal Emotions

The Functions of the Brain

5

Parietal Lobe

The parietal lobe is in charge of perception, making sense of the world, arithmetic and spelling.

Frontal Lobe

The frontal lobe controls executive functions, thinking, planning, organizing and problem solving, emotions, behavioral control and personality.

10

6 7 8

Temporal Lobe

The teporal lobe manages memory and understanding language.

9

Occipital Lobe

The occipital lobe controls vision.

Cerebellum

The cerebellum gives people balance and coordination.

10

The brain is the command center of the body. It controls everything you do.

Without your brain, you would probably die (literally and figuratively speaking). Your brain is the most powerful, complex, and clever organ in your body. It can be easily tricked and confused. It can only focus on one thing at a time, which means multi-tasking is a myth. This page is dedicated to the brain and its amazing functions.

Sensory Cortex

The sensory cortex is in charge of sensations.

Motor Cortex

The motor cortex controls movement.

Brain Stem

The brain stem regulates breathing, heart rate and body temperature.

Amygdala

The amygdala controls fear responses and the formation of emotional memories.

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is a small structure at the base of the brain which releases a wide variety of hormones and controls the activity of the other hormone glands.

Designed by Megan Hashimoto

[the oracle| november 13, 2015 | page 16

page 17 | november 13, 2015 | the oracle]

Yoga Nurtures Mind, Body And Soul

by Olivia Fahey

Top Yoga Poses

1

2

3

1. Pigeon - one leg stretched out behind, the other folded in front, trying to get the front leg at a 90 degree angle.

2. Downward Facing Dog - arms and legs straight, trying to get the heels to touch the ground and pushing the hips backwards.

3. Goddess Pose - arms at a 90 degree angle, feet touching, trying to get the knees towards the floor. | Modeled by Martha Richards | photos by Olivia Fahey

You have probably never seen them, nor even imagined it - teachers that you have in class doing yoga.

Yes. There is a group of staff members here at East that come together on Wednesdays to wind down and escape from the rowdy teenagers they deal with every day.

Zen Fitness yoga instructor, Sarah Hess, leads them in their practice. Although the crowd varies from week to week, there are about five regulars, including Marianne Wohlford, Rochelle House, and Deanna Glick.

This has been a tradition for them for over 10 years.

Yoga is a form of exercise and self-enrichment that involves moving through a series of poses, called asanas, while focusing on your breath and its movement through your body.

These poses can range from simplistic and easy to challenging and difficult.

When practicing yoga, it is essential to be aware of your own body, and listen to it. Awareness and introspection are encouraged during practices. The goal is to challenge yourself but not strain yourself. Everyone’s practice is different.

Glick, Columbus East’s library media assistant, raves about the mental and physical benefits of yoga. Yoga is a huge stress-reliever for her and many others.

Her favorite poses to de-stress are Reverse Pigeon, Tree Pose, and Warrior Three. She noted that yoga helps your mental health by “keeping you centered.”

Glick also looks forward to the times when they take

a whole practice to simply lay there and relax. One favored aspect of this relaxation is the lavender eye-pillows, and “once in while [Sarah] will massage your temples with lavender oil.”

Glick emphasizes her desire to focus on herself during these times. “I’m going to be selfish,” she said.

It is important to remember that it is okay to be selfish sometimes. Yoga is a way to be good to yourself and shed the weight that the day has brought upon

“I think it’s good for them to de-stress, and learn to breathe and be aware of their body.”

-Martha Richards, East Dance Teacher you. Some people focus on chakras in their practice.

Chakras are centers of energy in the body, and when they are all open the body is balanced and functioning at its full capacity. If a chakra is closed another one has to overcompensate to make up for this. In yoga you can focus on opening up these chakras in specific poses.

Yoga is an ancient tradition that originated in India.

Freshman Isha Chavan began doing yoga seven years ago when she lived in India and

can now contort her body in ways that would make most of us cringe just thinking about. She competed in this year’s Columbus Got Talent and stunned the audience with her flexibility, balance, and strength.

Her favorite pose, and the one that drew gasps out of the audience, is one in which she bends over backwards - starting in a seemingly normal backbend - and then proceeds to pull her head through her legs. She can then see the audience.

This pose is called Gandaberudasan. (See the link below for a video of her performance.)

“In India I used to go to these yoga competitions and the people there, they kind of inspired me,” Chavan said when asked what made her want to be a contortionist.

Of course, we can’t all move our bodies like Chavan can, but there are some basic yoga moves you can do to wind down after a stressful day. Martha Richards teaches a dance class in the mornings here at East in which she incorporates elements of yoga into each class.

“I think it’s good for them to de-stress, and learn to breathe and be aware of their body,” Richards said.

Universal Energy Soul Envisioning

{Crown Chakra} brain, central nervous system, cerebral cortex

{Third Eye Chakra} eyes, pineal gland

Energy Filtering Energy Circulation

{Center Chakra} heart, lungs, thymus, circulatory system

Reproduction of Energy {Sacral Chakra} ovaries, uterus, testes

{Throat Chakra} throat, ear, mouth, hands

Distribution of Energy {Solar Plexus Chakra} stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas

Origin of Energy

{Root Chakra} kidneys, bladder, spine

[To see Isha Chavan’s contortion in action, see CEHSnews.com]

Chakras are an element of focus in some practices.

Chakras are centers of energy in the body.

Designed by Brooke Williams

[the oracle | november 13, 2015 | page 18

page 19 | november 13, 2015 | the oracle]

Eight Ways to Raise Your Self-esteem

by Bailey Schroeder

Use these tips to feel your best every day.

1

Good Company.

Maintaining supportive and compassionate friends offers one a good support system. Friends are always there to remind you of your best qualities.

2

Have a Healthy Diet. Eating right can

3

4

boost your energy and raise your positive mentality.

Set Goals and Celebrate Accomplishments. Have high aspirations

for yourself and recognize your successes.

Get Enough Rest.

Sleep is a big factor in determining your mood. Rest and relaxation are necessary for feeling good about yourself.

5

6 7

8

Exercise. Exercise can act as both a dis-

traction and a way for the body to generate a chemical reaction that results in a positive mood.

Break Out of Your Shell.

Coming out of your comfort zone can help you realize how much you are capable of.

Lift Others’ Spirits. Helping and motivating others can result in making you feel good about yourself.

Dress for Yourself. Looking good and being comfortable in how you appear will instill confidence and help provide a bright outlook on the day.

50%

of all new Sexually Transmitted Infections are among ages 15 - 24.

Senior Conducts Walk for Suicide Prevention

by Corbin Parmer

For his senior project, Caleb Simpson will be organizing the 2016 Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk in Columbus.

“My sister actually started the walk a few years back,” Simpson said.

In 2011, his sister Kisha Allman, who is now 30 years old, began the first walk for Columbus, and Simpson has carried it on for his senior project.

Both members of the family are strongly influenced by the suicide awareness and prevention movement.

“It hits pretty close to home with me because my dad committed suicide in 2008,” Simpson said.

His father’s suicide really affected Simpson’s family, so they decided to take it on as a way to reach out and help others that have experienced the same situation. According to Simpson, his sister immediately set out to find a way to help others.

“She started talking to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention representative for our region. Then she actually went to DC

to talk to the Indiana state representative to have suicide prevention included more,” Simpson said.

This most likely means that suicide awareness would be taught and addressed more in schools and the community.

The community walk Simpson is organizing is on May 14, 2016, and will begin at the Lincoln Ice Center. The walk will raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), which is a national non-profit organization that is aimed to educate about and

1950 Doctor’s Park Dr, Ste B 812-418-3230 lifecaretestingclinic.com

could this include you? choose to know.

Get yourself tested.

PREGNANCY

wasn’t part of the plan

classes, helpful staff, amazing variety

call TODAY

let us help you make a new one. www.KnittersNookColumbus.com 812.657.7669 | 675 Reeves Way, Columbus

you have options.

get the facts.

812-378-4730 pregcarecenter.org

prevent suicide.

Out of the Darkness Walks, which is what Simpson is organizing for the community, are just one of the many fundraisers the Caleb AFSP Simpson provides.

There is no entry fee for the walk, so all money gained from the walk will come from donations from registration tables set up before the event starts, or online at the AFSP website. A silent auction will also be held before the start. Every bit of the donation and auction money will go towards AFSP research and education.

To register and donate online, the page for the walk can be found by typing “Indiana” under the “find an event” search bar at campuswalks.org.

Suicide is a serious matter, especially to Simpson and his family.

Simpson added that, since they have both experienced it firsthand, both he and his sister are open to anyone that needs help.

“I would just like people to know that if they need help in any way they can contact me or my sister anytime,” Simpson said.

[the oracle | november 13, 2015 | page 20

Makeup: Confidence Boost or Not?

by Erin Louden

Going out in public with no makeup sounds absurd to some women, yet others feel comfortable in their own skin.

In society, it is the norm for women to wear makeup. There are many reasons for why each individual wears it: whether it is for gaining confidence or just for fun.

Sophomore Sarah Johnson chooses to wear makeup everyday.

“I’ve been wearing makeup since fifth grade, and I wear it because it makes me feel bold and better. I’m not ugly or anything, it just makes my eyes stand out,” Johnson said.

Johnson feels unique when wearing makeup.

“It boosts my confidence and I stand out more as a person. I don’t think I stand out very much without my makeup on,” Johnson said.

However, not everyone feels that makeup boosts confidence or is even needed. Sophomore Saira Brown feels that makeup shouldn’t be necessary to feel more confident. Brown does not wear makeup and feels comfortable without it. Not wearing makeup makes Brown feel fierce about her image.

“I feel confident without makeup; every

girl should feel confident without makeup,” Brown said.

Some females believe that makeup can create confidence, but they do not rely on it to feel empowered.

Freshman Kayli Billman wears makeup often.

“It’s fun to put on and I enjoy it,” Billman said. “It increases my confidence a little bit. When I don’t wear makeup I feel kind of confident, but not as much as I do with it on. I like how it looks.”

According to The New York Times, a study

by Nancy Etcoff, assistant clinical professor of Psychology at Harvard University, shows that women can feel more confident when wearing makeup, like a placebo effect. The study shows that makeup won’t help those who feel like it’s an obligation.

Makeup could be a great way to express yourself and feel bold.

Whether you believe that makeup is the only way to feel empowered or that being all natural produces the same effects, makeup is a choice and it is what you make of it.

Sophomore Gracie Schultheis is shown on the left without makeup and on the right with makeup. |photo by Rebecca Smith

“You don’t have to wear makeup to be confident.”

-sophomore Gracie Schultheis