If you’ve been a parent, then I’m sure you must have wondered about how to deal with teenage mood swings. My daughter who is 12th going to 13th this year, just recently started having this mood swings out of nowhere. I thought this will help some of you to understand this kind of behavior in teens that it often gets tough to pin-point the exact reason.
On some days your teenagers might be all happy, controlled and thoughtful, while on other days they might just be ranting and raving about petty issues.
I’ve often seen my own teen ecstatic and gleeful in the mornings, but when she returns from school she is annoyed, disappointed, and sad on something that upset her.
Causes of Mood Swings in Teens:
- Hormones and growth
The teenage year is the time when the body starts producing sex hormones and goes through a major growth spurt.
The physical change a teen undergoes makes them feel awkward, confused, uncomfortable, which destroys their sense of security.
2.Matter of the brain
As most of you know, the brain reaches 90% of its full size by the age of six, and it’s believed to have reached its full development too.
Researchers believe that the brain changes much more during the teen years.
The grey matter on the outer part of the brain thickens with time, and reaches its peak in females when they are 11 years, and males when they are 12 years of age.Once this process is over, the brain starts trimming the excess grey matter that’s not used, leaving the information the brain needs, and making the brain more efficient.
The prefrontal cortex is one of the last areas to go through this trimming process, which is the area of the brain responsible for judgment, planning, and self-control.
Thus, while teens have very strong emotions and passions, they don’t have the mechanisms in place to control these emotions. This is because their prefrontal cortex hasn’t caught up with them as yet.Once this process is over, the brain starts trimming the excess grey matter that’s not used, leaving the information the brain needs, and making the brain more efficient.
The prefrontal cortex is one of the last areas to go through this trimming process, which is the area of the brain responsible for judgment, planning, and self-control.
Thus, while teens have very strong emotions and passions, they don’t have the mechanisms in place to control these emotions. This is because their prefrontal cortex hasn’t caught up with them as yet.
3.Identity formation
Most teens are typically preoccupied with identity formations or becoming entities, with lives separate from those of their parents. This often causes confusion and frustration in them.
With the fast changing world around them, they feel they aren’t able to cope or handle the pressure, which results in mood swings or an emotional state in them.
4.Emotional reactions
Mood swings in teenagers also results because they haven’t yet developed the ability to deal with the anxieties, frustrations, and pressures of life.
With their lives becoming more adult-like and complicated, teenagers don’t have the built-in coping mechanism like adults to help them deal. So, they are more prone to react emotionally to situations.
Feeling out of control as most teens feel, is a very uncomfortable feeling for anyone.
Here is a wonderful video about how to cope with mood swings, which anyone can relate to:
Source: Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Robi, on "How to Cope with Mood Swings"
Dealing With Teenage Mood Swings:
• Let them know they are not alone
• Get them plenty of rest
• Diet and Exercise
• Help them get creative
• Give them space
• Need love and attention
• Listen to and support them
• Spend family time together
• Relax and take a breather
• Wait a while
Warning Signs of Teenage Mood Swings:
Irritable or sad for over two weeks.
Have extreme feelings of highs and lows.
Feelings of worthlessness.
Erratic behavior.
Failing grades.
Suspected substance abuse.
Refuses to participate in activities he/she once enjoyed.
Mood swings go beyond the mood swings of a normal teenager.
Talk of self harm or suicide, even if they are joking or trying to seek attention – get help!
It's good to be aware and remember to take a deep breath it will pass at some point!!!