Cortisol: This stress hormone can also fluctuate during puberty, contributing to feelings of anxiety or irritability.

Brain Development:

The brain is still developing during adolescence, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. As this area matures, mood swings can become more pronounced.

Identity and Self-Esteem:

Adolescents often struggle with questions of identity, self-worth, and peer relationships. This can lead to feelings of confusion, frustration, or insecurity, contributing to emotional highs and lows.

Social Pressures:

Peer pressure, academic stress and family expectations can all add to the emotional turbulence of puberty. Maintaining peer goals and meeting family expectations together can be challenging. Maintaining a healthy balance between the different aspects of life can become tedious.

Sleep Patterns:

Puberty can also affect sleep patterns, leading to irregular sleep schedules, which can exacerbate mood swings. Excess use of gadgets and the distraction caused by the same can also be a cause of less sleep-in adolescents.

Managing Mood Swings

Healthy Lifestyle:

Regular Exercise: Physical activity can help regulate mood by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.

Balanced Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide the necessary nutrients to support both physical and emotional health.

Adequate Sleep: Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for emotional regulation.

Open Communication:

Talking to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counsellor, can help adolescents process their feelings and gain perspective. Every adolescent has questions in their mind, that need to be pondered over. The best thing would be if a parent is able to cater to the needs of the adolescent. When they do share their feelings, listen carefully without interrupting or dismissing their concerns. However, if this is not possible, it would be essential to take help from a professional.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress and reduce the intensity of mood swings. A lot of adolescents struggle with focus and may thus feel that the above are not meant for them. However, it is important to explain to them to give it a try and actually see its benefits.

Setting Realistic Expectations:

Understanding that mood swings are a normal part of puberty can help adolescents be more patient with themselves, during this time. Many adolescents get demotivated post setting a goal that is difficult to meet. Setting realistic expectations is very essential. It is also important to take small steps towards the same goal.

Be patient and understand

Adolescents are often still learning how to manage their emotions, and they may not always have the words or awareness to express what they are feeling. Patience and empathy can go a long way in helping them feel supported. Encourage them to express their emotions through creative activities, which can be a therapeutic way to process feelings.

Set Boundaries and Routines

A consistent schedule is very essential, a regular routine can provide stability and reduce stress. This includes a set time for homework, leisure, and bedtime. Establish clear rules and consequences, but also be flexible and understanding as they navigate their emotions.

Many parents give in to the needs of an adolescent to maintain peace at the home. This however, can have repercussions in the future. No parent has a degree in parenting the moment their child is born. Every parent tries their best in helping their child. It is okay to falter, it is okay to make mistakes. Do not blame yourself harshly for the things you did not know. Do not feel guilty for the mistakes you made unknowingly while bringing up your child.