An Early Period Could Be Linked to Teen Depression Symptoms

Has your daughter started puberty early? Has she started her menstrual cycle earlier than other girls? She may be at risk for portraying teen depression symptoms, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. The researchers found a connection between early periods and teen depression symptoms appearing. This isn’t the first research to confirm this link, either.

Studies show link between early puberty & teen depression symptoms

The age that adolescents are beginning puberty has begun earlier and earlier globally–while scientists haven’t quite figured out why yet, we do understand the possible effects of this. The average age for a girl to have her first period was 16 just 100 years ago–now it’s closer to 13.

“Early-maturing girls are at increased risk of a range of psychosocial problems including depression, substance use and early sexual behavior,” explained psychologist Julia Graber, Ph.D.

This makes the earlier age for periods and puberty troubling. While it may have to do with the increase in hormones, researchers believe it has much to do with just fitting in. If you’re the only girl in your class who has started her period, that can make you feel strange. It can be a target for bullying. It can cause many issues. Early maturing of your body can also make you feel left out and an outlier among your peers–it can be very separating. This is a large part of why researchers think teen depression symptoms are showing up in girls who begin puberty earlier.

Warning signs of depression in adolescents

Beginning puberty early can happen for many reasons, which is why it’s important to keep teen depression symptoms in mind when your child suddenly begins to act strangely. From Mayo Clinic, here are some common teen depression symptoms:

• Feelings of sadness or loneliness often
• Issues staying concentrated or focusing
• Loss of interest in normally enjoyed activities
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Low self-esteem
• Frequently fatigued
• Sudden drop in school performance

If you believe your daughter may be struggling with depression or other mental health issues, it’s important to seek out a professional for further guidance on how to best help your daughter succeed.

We’re here to help your family

Asheville Academy is a therapeutic boarding school for young girls, ages 10-14, struggling with anxiety, teen depression symptoms, ADHD, and other behavioral or emotional issues.

For more information about how Asheville Academy handles teen depression symptoms, call 800-264-8709 today!