18:14
Wednesday 21 September 2022
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Written by – Nada Sami
Many physical and psychological changes occur during adolescence that greatly affect the psychological and mental health of children, especially if the characteristics of puberty begin to appear earlier than normal.
Consultation examines, in the following report, the impact of physical and hormonal changes that occur in adolescence on psychological and mental health and the ways to address them, according to a website according to “Health very well”.
Physical and psychological changes during puberty
Girls usually start puberty between the ages of 9 and 13 and boys can be a little later and hormonal and physical changes begin gradually, as early puberty can lead to mental health problems to a greater extent than they currently are. normal.
Premature puberty begins in girls before age eight and before nine in boys, and the onset of puberty earlier than their peers can affect children’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
Physical and mental maturity takes time to grow and develop during puberty, which differs between boys and girls, and although psychological changes can occur when children experience normal puberty, they are exacerbated when they occur earlier than expected.
A 2022 study showed that girls are more likely to develop mental illness and risky behavior when they start puberty early.
Read also: For mothers .. 6 tips to follow when your child reaches adolescence
Among the most important psychological problems that can occur during puberty or develop, especially if the child has a genetic predisposition to it, are:
– Depression.
Bipolar disorder.
– Phobia.
Anxiety Disorder.
– Schizophrenia.
Causes of precocious puberty
Premature puberty can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
An underactive or underactive thyroid can cause puberty to start early.
Disorders of the pituitary gland can also affect puberty.
An adrenal tumor is also a possible cause of precocious puberty.
Genes can also be one of the reasons leading to early puberty.
How to deal with the psychological effects that occur during puberty
Dr Laila Rajab, a counselor for mental and physical health, says parents should prepare children for puberty before it occurs so that the child can prepare for and respond to the changes that happen to him without denial, fear or wonder, and has identified a number of tips that can help reduce the chances of exposure to many psychological disorders that usually begin to occur over time, along with physical and hormonal changes. These tips are:
Talk to the child clearly and simply about the changes that will happen to him during that time and that he is going through from childhood to adolescence.
Gain the child’s trust and answer all questions concerning him about the physical changes occurring in him or his relationship with his body
Do not scold the child or scold him when he notices his curiosity about something, but rather encourage him to ask and learn.
Talk about sexual health and the genital area and its function, and how to protect its limits and not allow anyone to cross them
– Purchase of personal care items and underwear suitable for girls and boys.
Monitor the child remotely and observe their behavior, without violating their personal boundaries.
Understanding and responding to the overreacting that occurs during that time, such as constant quarreling or isolation, and the child’s definition of what is allowed and prohibited without any violence.
Purchase books that are suitable for children of that age and encourage them to read and learn.
Take the child’s opinion on some issues and adopt his opinion
– When you notice changes in your child, such as depression, sadness, violence or any overreaction, you should consult a specialized psychiatrist.
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