Concerned Abouy My Health in Many Ways

Published: January 23, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hi, I am 13 years old and I'm concerned abot my health in many ways. For the past two weeks I have had discharge and it shows no signs of stopping. I've also been very easily aggravated and moody. I'm really self conscious and am having a lot of issues with family and friends. Generally life is horrible and most days I don't want to get out of bed. Is there anyway that I can make my life better and should I be concerned about the discharge?
Signed: Concerned About My Health in Many Ways

Dear Concerned About My Health in Many Ways,

You did not mention whether or not you started your period yet, but vaginal discharge is something that often occurs for a girl 6-12 months before she gets her first period. This is due to changes in hormones and is completely normal. For more information on vaginal discharge you can read the Kids Health article about it.

As for the changes in mood, it is very possible this is also connected to puberty and the hormonal changes that accompany it. Web MD provides the following information about girls, puberty and mood swings:

Because of the surges in hormones during puberty, many girls feel moodiness at times, especially right before their periods. This is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS may cause:

  • Irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Fluid retention
  • Anxiety
  • Dietary cravings

Once your period starts, the PMS symptoms usually disappear. It's helpful to exercise during PMS and your period in order to boost your mood and help you feel your best. If your mood is lower than normal, talk to your health care provider about your feelings.

Some girls have a decrease in self-esteem and body satisfaction if they hit puberty earlier than their friends. Other girls feel different if they enter puberty later than their friends do. That's why it's important to understand what's happening to your body, and realize that every girl goes through the same changes -- some sooner, some later. But if you have not gone through puberty by age 14, including menstruating, you should see your health care provider.

TeenHealthFX recommends the following:

  • Speak to a parent, school nurse or your doctor about the changes you are noticing. That way you have someone who can help you to understand what is going on with your body and can answer any questions you may have.
  • Try to be physically active on a regular basis, follow a healthy diet and get the sleep you need as this will help your mood.
  • Talk to a trusted adult about the feelings you are having so that you can get the support and guidance you need and so that you do not have to go through what you are experiencing all alone.

 

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

It is very possible that the changes in mood you are experiencing are due to the hormonal changes associated with puberty. However, girls can be up to twice as likely to deal with depression than boys, so if you find your mood swings continue to feel intense, frequent, unmanageable or interfere with parts of your life, then it would be helpful to have a consultation with a trained mental health professional, such as a clinical social worker or clinical psychologist, to see if you might be dealing with depression.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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