Puberty is a normal part of life for teens, but it can also be a difficult time for many. During puberty, teens experience physical and emotional changes that can affect their mental health. Whether you’re a teen facing puberty or a parent working to support your child, it’s important to understand how puberty impacts mental health and what you can do to ease the transition into adulthood. Learn more about protecting adolescent mental health from the experts at Ascend today.
Hormonal Changes During Puberty & Mental Health
One of the main reasons why puberty and mental health are related is because of the hormonal changes that occur during this period. These hormones can affect everything from emotions and moods to physical changes in the body, which in turn can lead to mental health struggles with self-esteem or larger concerns, such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, hormonal changes have been linked to other issues, such as eating disorders or self-harm behaviors, because teens don’t have all the tools they need to address the issues they might be facing.
Some signs of puberty-related mental health issues include difficulty concentrating, persistent sadness or irritability, and changes in sleeping patterns. Other signs may manifest as physical symptoms, including headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue. If you’re seeing or experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be time to take a deeper look at how puberty may be impacting your mental health.
