Life After Puberty

What's Happening to My Body?

Emotional Changes (Mood Changes)

One minute you're flying high, the next minute you're sad. Your parents say they can't keep up, and that you're impossible to live with. So what's with all these mood swings?

Being moody it pretty standard for people your age. Your body is going through a lot of changes, and it takes everybody a little while to catch up with the effects on their emotions. Yes, you may drive your parents crazy for a while, but all and all, being moody really isn't that big of a deal. What's important, though, is that you find a way to recognize and manage your emotions. This sounds a lot easier than it is. Sometimes you may feel a certain way for no reason at all. The trick is to look at all the feelings you're feeling - mad, sad, scared, or whatever - and decide what's really going on inside.

These emotions are all totally normal. They're just part of being human. Still, they can certainly mess with your head a little. To make sense of it all, try to ask yourself this: What's making me feel this way, and what can I do to feel better? Then just go out and do it. Again, this advice probably sounds a lot easier than it really is. But asking yourself questions like these, and being in touch with your emotions will help you make good decisions and will help you get what you want out of life.

If your feelings start to overwhelm you, and you don't feel like you can deal with something on your own, just go talk to someone. Find someone you trust and feel comfortable talking to - your parents, a coach, a teacher, an aunt or uncle - and just tell them what's on your mind. These people care about you and want to help.

Last Modified: September 5, 2006