Mood Swings
Feeling great one minute and down the next? Going through puberty means your emotions can change faster than the weather! Here's how to survive the journey!
Your body isn’t the only thing that puberty changes…
It can have a big impact on your emotions too!
Your emotions may become stronger and more intense during puberty.
Moods might change more frequently, quickly and randomly.
You may have strong emotions that you've never had before.
Sometimes you may feel confused, sad or angry and don’t know why.
You might feel sensitive or become easily upset.
All these feelings are a normal part of puberty and will come and go!
Why all the feels?
There are lots of things that are happening during puberty that can impact on your mood and the way that you feel, like:
- Hormones
- Lack of sleep
- Peer pressure
- Demands of school
- Conflict with parents
- Feeling scared or alone
- Stress
- Anxiety
- A busy schedule
- Physical changes
- Feeling self-conscious
- Having to make more decisions
Your brain is growing and changing too
While your body is adjusting to all the new hormones, so is your brain!
During puberty your brain is strengthening the parts that allow you to feel more intense and complex emotions.
But… the part of your brain that is responsible for reasoning and controlling emotions is still growing and can be the last to develop.
Sometimes this might make you feel as if your emotions are out of control, causing even more frustration, sadness or confusion.
Dealing with all of these emotions can be tough
Here are some ideas to help you cope:
Comfort yourself
Soothe your emotions by taking care of yourself
Play music
Listen, dance, sing along or play an instrument
Get enough sleep
Give your body time to recharge and adjust
Be active
Play sport, go for a walk, do something physical
Write it out
Journal about your feelings, thoughts and experience
Create
Express emotions by drawing, painting, crafting or playing
Catch your breath
Take a few moments to stop and think before you react
Talk to someone you trust
Express those new, intense or built-up feelings
If your mood swings don’t seem to go away, it’s important to talk to someone about what you’re going through.
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