How Puberty Affects The Mental Health Of Girls

One of the most important transitions in life is the journey from being a child to an adult. It is a journey of physical, emotional, and psychological growth where children face the complexities of identity. For most of us, this transition comes packed with uncertainty and self-doubt. But amidst all this commotion, there also comes a time of profound discovery and self-realisation.

Puberty in a girl’s life is marked by profound growth, and this growth naturally comes with challenges that affect mental health. A study suggests that around 11.5% teenagers reaching puberty show symptoms of depression with girls having a profound effect over boys. Therefore, a parent needs to understand how puberty affects adolescent girls to support and help them in this crucial phase. Most recent studies have indicated that females are most susceptible to psychological disorders at the onset of puberty, with more statistics of depression and anxiety in girls. 

Understanding Hormonal Changes

In the adolescence period, girls have hormonal fluctuations, and it primarily involves oestrogen and progesterone. Such changes contribute a lot to puberty-related mood disorders, mood regulation and stabilisation of emotional states.

Hormonal Changes

Girls in puberty start producing higher amounts of the feminine hormone, oestrogen. Even though oestrogen levels themselves can influence mood and behaviour, it is also known to affect neurotransmitters in the brain, especially serotonin, which regulates mood. It is also a time characterised by shifting hormonal levels, leading to mood swings, irritability, and heightened emotional sensitivity.

Emotional Regulation And Mood Swings

The interplay between changes in hormones and maturing in the brain often leads to intense adolescent emotional regulation. The limbic system is significantly more mature than the area of the prefrontal cortex, which regulates reason and impulse control, and anomalous activity often occurs here during puberty with respect to mood.

Depression And Anxiety

It has been proved that hormonal changes among adolescent girls are coupled with higher prevalence rates of depression and anxiety. Girls are more prone to suffering from these conditions during adolescence due to biological as well as environmental factors.

Signs And Symptoms Parents Should Watch For

During the phase of puberty, girls go through changes that can affect them mentally. Parents should, therefore, be observant and sensitive, and take into account the signs that their daughters may be going through some psychological distress. Being observant is the first step to help. 

Behavioral Changes

The first indication that a girl is suffering from emotional distress is detachment from friends and family. If your daughter becomes increasingly secluded or less interested in activities she loves, then one should delve deeper into the issue.

Irritability And Mood Swings

Rapidly changing moods or irritability is quite normal during puberty due to hormonal changes in girls. However, if these deviations become severe or persist for a long period, then it may indicate underlying emotional disturbances.

Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem in adolescent girls is highly prevalent during adolescence. The onset of puberty brings doubts about body image perceptions, resulting in diminished self-confidence. Feelings of worthlessness and not being good enough very often could be warning signs.

Decline In Academic Performance

Sudden decline in academic performance or failure to concentrate can also be symptoms of mental health issues. Performance anxiety due to high expectations, elevates the level of fear and depression among young girls.

How Social Stress And Peer Relations Impact Mental Health

At the adolescent phase, social stress during puberty plays a salient role in shaping the mental health of adolescents.

Social Pressure

Peer relations and mental health, often go hand in hand. The urge to conform to peers creates intense social pressure during puberty. Most girls are expected to live up to certain societal expectations/standards about appearance and behaviour that are prevalent in the patriarchal society which increases anxiety about body image and self-esteem. 

Body Image Issues

Puberty is a time of significant physiological changes that may reflect on the body of the adolescent. Girls often experience several of these body changes which can be perceived as unflattering, which affects their self-perception. Girls have often reported experiencing body image issues in puberty; this has resulted in low self-esteem and eating disorders. Widespread exposure to unattainable beauty standards made popular by the media worsens this issue.

Social Media Impact

Social media has transformed the way teenagers relate with each other in many significant ways. However, this increased reach comes along with comparisons that will be detrimental to their confidence levels. Studies indicate that increased usage of social media could lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression in adolescent girls.

Early Puberty And Its Mental Health Risks

Early onset of puberty has been experienced by many girls in recent years, which poses unique mental health challenges before them. Early puberty mental health risks could include:

Surging Anxiety And Stress

Girls experiencing early puberty tend to experience more anxiety as they undergo rapid physical changes while they are still unprepared emotionally for the same. Furthermore, girls who experience puberty earlier are more prone to depression and anxiety disorder than those who develop late.

Social Alienation

The early onset of puberty might create social isolation as some girls experience changes while their friends might not be undergoing similar changes. This alienation from peers tends to increase the emotional sense of loneliness and anxiety.

How Parents Can Provide Support

The role of parents are very crucial in supporting their daughters, especially regarding their mental health and other issues experienced because of puberty. The most essential things to note at this phase could be: 

Open Communication

The first stage to help your daughter open up and be comfortable enough to freely share about how she feels about changes she might be experiencing is by having an open line of communication with her. 

Validate Her experiences

Validating her emotions as realistic and important, is the next step towards helping her by reassuring her that you have her back.

Facilitate The Development Of Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Encourage your daughter to develop healthy coping mechanisms so that she can handle emotions and stress constructively. Activities that help her build strength for her emotional well-being.

Educate Yourself About The Problem Of Body Image

Be open and discuss body image issues with your daughter. Let her know that these expectations from society can barely be achieved, and that her strength lies in attributes that do not have much to do with her body.

Also Read : Mental Health In Teen Girls: A Parent's Guide

When To Seek Professional Help 

Most girls emerge successfully from this puberty stage. The environment and support provided around her can help her achieve a healthy coping strategy. However, there are a few who might require professional intervention to help them overcome and deal with the intensity of their experience. As parents you should note the range of the issue and accordingly try to help your daughters. A few signs to look out for could be: 

Recurring Mood Swings

In case your daughter suffers from recurring mood swings or emotional distress that becomes bothersome for her daily life, then professional help would be suggested, who can guide the child on how best to cope with such challenges.

Signs Of Depression Or Anxiety

Be on the lookout for signs of depression or anxiety that persist over time. It could include worry, sadness, irritability, or withdrawal from friends and social activities. So, it might be necessary to seek professional help if these symptoms interfere with her ability to function at home or at school.

Risk Factors For Mental Health In Girls

You must seek help if your girl has a history of trauma or other risk factors such as family history of mental illness or significant changes in life that will make her more vulnerable during this phase of transition.

Also Read : Early Puberty: Understanding Its Mental And Emotional Effects On Girls

Conclusion

Familiarising the child with the effects of hormonal changes on emotions, being attentive to stressful indicators, treating influences of body image, and maintaining strong support systems at home will help the parents support their daughters better in the complex phase of adolescence. Early intervention is critical, you must not hesitate if you find concerning indicators or symptoms that continue for a long time. 

In the long run, having open communication regarding puberty and mental health in girls will empower your daughter not only during puberty but for the rest of her life, while she learns the best ways of getting on with herself in times of difficulty.