Puberty

Puberty!

I was going to write a post for #aromatherapyawarenessweek - But I am doing some CPD coursework, and my research for one of the question, I found really interesting and wanted to share!

Puberty is the transition from childhood to Adolescence. It begins around the age of 11 for girls &age of 12/13 for boys, though sometimes earlier.

Some of the symptoms for both male and female, cross over, such as Growth spurts, Acne, Body odour & the development of Pubic hair (including facial hair for boys) and genitals / breasts. Girls however also begin to menstruate and boys develop deeper voices. 

These changes often coincide with life changes - Transition from Primary to Secondary school, changes in friendship groups & sometimes in family circumstances, so it is a very confusing time for Young people, and getting to grips with the changes in their personal appearance, and indeed their feelings, can be very stressful.

Puberty can effect Children Physically, emotionally & socially. They may experience irritability, strong outbursts of emotion, mood swings, sexual feelings and - more often in boys than girls, feelings of aggression.

Added to this, Young people can be susceptible to teasing, or bullying, from their peers, either for their change in body, or lack of, depending how quick / slow their development. This, inevitably, has a knock on affect to their self esteem & confidence.

Children who develop Puberty early, are more likely to develop depression and anxiety than those who develop around the same time as their peers & the early signs of serious mental illness, such as Bipolar or Schizophrenia may also manifest during this time. It can be very difficult to determine Depression & anxiety, from Hormonal changes and the mood swings they bring.

Resources: 
https://www.verywellfamily.com/the-consequences-of-early-puberty-3288326
https://mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/
https://studybullets.co.uk/