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% of teenagers reaching puberty show symptoms of depression, with girls being more affected than 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
During adolescence, girls have hormonal fluctuations, and it primarily involves oestrogen and progesterone. These changes contribute significantly 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 responses. The limbic system matures faster than 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. Puberty can sometimes cause self-doubt or discomfort with body image. If your daughter frequently feels low or unsure about herself, it could be a sign that she needs extra support.
Decline In Academic Performance
Sudden decline in academic performance or failure to concentrate can also be symptoms of mental health issues. High expectations at school can sometimes lead to stress or anxiety. Being supportive can help ease this pressure
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
Strong peer relationships can deeply affect how a girl feels about herself during puberty. During puberty, girls may feel a strong need to fit in with friends, which can sometimes lead to pressure or confusion. 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 may go through physical changes that feel unfamiliar or challenging to accept at first, but these are a natural and beautiful part of growing up, which can affect how they see themselves. Many girls struggle with body image during puberty, and some may need support to build a positive relationship with their bodies. 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 for them. Early puberty mental health risks could include:
Surging Anxiety And Stress
Girls going through early puberty may need more emotional support as they adjust to changes that come earlier than expected. Furthermore, girls who experience puberty earlier are more prone to depression and anxiety disorders than those who develop later.
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 is 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. Reassure your daughter that societal beauty standards are often unrealistic, 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, which can guide the child on to manage 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 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 a family history of mental illness or significant life changes 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 helps parents support their daughters more effectively 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.