Mood swings

In the morning everything is fine, at lunchtime one small comment makes you cry, and by the evening you are laughing again. Sound familiar? Lots of girls go through this during puberty.

Hormones affect your brain as well as your body. Your brain is developing fast in these years. The parts that handle strong feelings mature before the parts that help you control them. So feelings hit hard and can be difficult to manage. On top of that there are new worries, such as schoolwork, friends and a body that keeps changing.

• Sad or tearful for no clear reason
• Quick to get annoyed with your family
• Wanting to be alone
• Shy, or comparing yourself to others
• Suddenly very happy and full of energy

• Get enough sleep. Everything feels harder when you are tired.
• Move your body. A walk, dancing or sport can lift your mood.
• Eat regular meals. People get snappy when they are hungry.
• Write your feelings in a diary or draw them.
• Talk to someone you trust.
• When you feel angry, step away, breathe, and talk afterwards.

You can tell your parents directly: I'm not in a good mood today and I'd like some time alone. Saying this can stop a lot of arguments. Once you have calmed down, you can apologise for anything sharp you said.

None of this makes you a bad person. Feelings pass, and you learn how to handle them little by little.