Feelings and Emotions

Some of the changes you might be going through are not just physical. Girls can sometimes feel a bit more moody and emotional. Some girls can feel grumpy or a bit teary at times without really knowing why. This is because your brain is producing lots more of the hormones (chemicals produced in your brain) that can cause these feelings.

Sometimes these feelings mean you can fly off the handle a bit more than usual, or find some people extra annoying. This is quite normal but it's important not to take these feelings out on other people and make sure you try to work out ways to keep calm.

There are different things you can do to try and help lift your mood:

• Get out in the fresh air.
• Do some exercise or go for a short walk.
• Listen to some music you like.
• Talk to someone you trust
• Write down your feelings, perhaps in a diary.

There's more information at these sites:

• Teenage Health Freak: Provides information for teenagers on feelings and moods, bullying, body changes, alcohol, drugs, sex and not feeling well. Go to:http://www.teenagehealthfreak.org
• Young Minds website gives information to young people about mental health and emotional well-being. Go to: http://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-people

Of you can talk to someone in confidence at Childline.