Iowa Public Television

101. Fears and Phobias: Understanding and Defeating Them [21:00]
This program provides information about common fears and phobias and how the brain and the body (fight-or-flight response) function when exposed to them. Typical fears and phobias are explained including fear of public speaking, social anxiety, fear of enclosed spaces, test anxiety and panic attacks. A psychologist describes both short term and long term methods for controlling and ultimately defeating these fears including deep breathing, meditation, desensitization, medication and improving one's nutrition.

102. It's Never Too Late: Stopping Teen Suicide [28:00]
Armed with the latest statistics and facts on teen suicide, this program teaches viewers how to recognize and respond to the risks of teen suicide. Students will learn how feelings of rage, isolation and depression affect suicidal behavior and will understand the differences between normal "blues" and the symptoms of severe depression. Stories of young adults who have overcome their problems through counseling help teens recognize the warning signs of suicide in their peers.

103. Stressed Out: Stress Management 101 [20:00]
This program describes different forms of stress (acute, episodic and chronic) and explains how important it is for young people to learn effective coping strategies. Special attention is given to two common complaints among teens: panic attacks and social anxiety. Also highlighted are other types of stress such as test anxiety, parental demands and peer pressure. Students are introduced to Dr. Hans Steiner at Stanford University, whose state-of-the-art stress lab focuses on the study of adolescents and their responses to common stressors. Young viewers will learn that there are easy and effective means to treat stress symptoms, including relaxation techniques, health, diet and certain medications.

104. Sad, Angry, Lonely and Scared: The Masks of Depression [29:00]
Untreated, depression is the number one cause of suicide and is the most common mental illness in the United States. Depression in teenagers is often hidden and can be manifested by anger, irrational reactions, delinquent behavior, secretiveness, and poor grades. Many teens who suffer from depression do not recognize it in themselves and feel they cannot be helped. This program gives teens the information they need to recognize the signs of depression in themselves and offers guidance for getting help.

105. Hidden Scars, Silent Wounds: Understanding Self Injury [25:00]
Self-injury refers to a pattern in which a person harms himself or herself by cutting or even burning parts of the body to relieve stress from pent-up emotions. Many people suffer from this usually secretive activity. Typically they have endured unusual and stressful events or abusive family situations, and have resorted to self-injury as an unhealthy coping mechanism. The program demystifies this often misunderstood problem by offering candid interviews with "cutters" and their families, as well as commentary by noted experts in the field.

106. When Someone Dies: Bereavement and Loss [30:00]
Dealing with the death of a family member, friend or school acquaintance can be devastating for young people. This program arms teens with information that will help them accept that death and bereavement are natural and inevitable parts of life. Teens will understand that the process of mourning is unique for all people, and should never be ignored or trivialized. Leading adolescent psychologists discuss the stages of healthy grieving and healing, and provide details on how to cope with a painful loss.