Adolescence Part -B
DEAR FRIENDS,
Last week I had introduced a very important person. topic:
ADOLESCENTS AND ALL THAT WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THEM.
So this is part ‘B”
Today we will understand “A” phase of Life mein kya kya changes n developments hotey hain>>>>>>>
Triad of adolescence:::
Adolescence is characterised by THREE PROMINENT CHANGES—aka TRIAD OF CHANGES.
Or we can say that ‘ADOLESCENCE’ rests on a TRIPOD of certain changes that occur in a human body at this age.
They are all interrelated.
A proper balance between them all is very essential.
How imbalance between them can lead to gross problems—not only when you are teenagers, but also later on in life–
How the biological/physiological changes, when they occur, can create a tumultuous awakening in the MIND, and they may cause a mental turmoil which may lead to anxiety and tension if they are not prepared for them. The ownership lies with the parents and elder siblings to explain about the oncoming triad of development as that is going to bring changes in the adolescent mind so as not to be caught unawares!!
So dear teenagers, LEAN BACK AND RELAX…
FOR NOW you are going to learn a lot about you– yourself only!!!!
YOUR PERSONAL OBSERVATION:
You may like to recall that when you were but 8-9 years old, you suddenly noticed a certain swelling of your breast, esp. in the case of females.
You may still only be all but 11 or 12 years old.
You may still be quite short in height, but suddenly you may observe that your feet are suddenly bigger than before!!!!!!
Now
Why did this happen?
Let me explain——
All this happened because of a HORMONE k/a
OESTROGEN
Once oestrogen is pumped into your veins by GOD, certain changes start to happen in your body.
These changes are k/a.
BIOLOGICAL CHANGES—
BIOLOGICAL & PHSYIOLOGICAL CHANGES:
| GIRLS | BOYS |
| PHSYICAL: May begin around 8-10 years of age-reach a maximum at 14 yrs of age. Some growth may take place between 14-18 yrs also. | PHSYICAL: Puberty ,is seen – usually later in Boys than seen in girls. Max growth generally seen in 14-17 yrs of age. |
| SEC SEX CHARACTERS: Hair- Armpits / Pubic area Breasts also begin to grow. | SEC. SEX CHARACTERS: Hair- Armpits/ Pubic area / chin ( beard) / Moustache, |
| EXT/INT GENITALIA: Accelerated growth in Vulva/ vagina/ Uterus and Ovaries. Developments of Breasts | EXT GENETALIA: Accelerated growth. The scrotum/ the penile growth all increase in dimensions |
| PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERS: Menarche- Date of first menstrual cycle Menstrual Cycle is normally of 28 days Ovulation takes place on the 14th day of MC A young girl must be made to understand that this is now going to be a regular feature | PHSYIOLOGICAL CHARACTERS: Sperm production starts, Occasional Penile erection+ Involuntary ejaculation may also occur. A boy should be made to understand that this is a normal phenomenon. He must be made aware to observe these occurrences—so he does not get alarmed |
| DIET: Good diet- early menarche Bad/ Poor diet: late menarche If so do consult your doctor Menopause – generally between 45-55 yrs of age | DIET: A young adolescent will always need a high protein diet |
PSYCHOLOGICAL-CHARACTERS:
As a child grows into adolescence.
- Puberty is the period marked by the release of the oestrogen hormone, because of which the biological changes start to develop, and these will bring in the sexual changes!!
- Some adolescents are excited during this phase; some are scared!!! Some are curious to know more and thus start looking around for answers!!!
- The adolescent thus may exhibit signs and symptoms of ANXIETY + APPREHENSION:
- Adolescence is also the time for exploration/adventure/discovery.
Some start exploring their own body, some start adventuring out into the environment, while some start exploring their own capabilities and checking their own potential levels!!!
At times these varieties of exploration/adventure/discovery may lead to confusion.
In other words –
“ADOLESCENCE” is a period wherein an ADOLESCENT may exhibit some additional signs and symptoms:
- Pseudo confidence:
Physical changes>Emotional stress>>>> new found awareness. >>Pseudo confidence which, if they cannot handle the stress, may lead to reduced self-esteem.
At times the pseudo-overconfidence may get coupled with a spirit of adventure/exploration/discovery (also coupled with a lack of information and fear of discussing with the right people) and may lead them into undesirable, uncalled-for situations that may lead them into trouble.
- Urge to experiment with sex ::: Now if we see another facet – lack of info associated with feeling of pseudo-adultism associated with heightened sexual overdrive >>> urge to experiment with sex
- Drugs/smack/alcohol: The social over drive happens>> The urge to experiment (drugs/smack/alcohol) can also be another sequela.
- Risky behaviour: And if it’s a case of physical overdrive>>>. Risky behaviour (risky driving). And accepting challenges uncalled for!
And as they start to observe these biological changes and experience the physiological changes/developments within themselves, they may be intrigued/confused, and a flurry of emotions may run through them.
More often than not, it has been observed that adolescents hesitate to make communication about sexual development and other related matters with the right set of people/parents/older relatives/teachers/counsellors!!
On the contrary, they start to—
- Picking up information through books/magazines or discussing improper info from friends.
- May lead to more confusion.
- May lead to going the wrong way.
- May lead to uncalled-for complications.
- May lead to not only problems related to health but also emotional, psychological & social problems. (will discuss later)
In days gone by, there used to be certain structured rituals:
1) Coming-out parties
2)DEBU’s eg- in Royal families
3) The starting of menarche, in conventional and conservative families many years ago, was celebrated with great POMP N SHOW. The whole community, friends, and relatives were called. My friend was made to sit in a corner of the house, not allowed to intermingle while the whole crowd celebrated this function. I was appalled. I wonder if it still happens in some very orthodox communities. And you know well how uncomfortable it must have been for her.
Such instances mentally prepared a young girl emotionally for all that she was going to face in life.
But with the coming ‘in’ of feminism, many feminine rituals have disappeared, and rightly so—-
But ever since, adolescent girls have found themselves in a confusing society; it is difficult to find their place or know what is expected out of them.
In spite of so much liberalisation and modernism, especially in our country, most mothers still do not sit down and explain to their female children what is yet to come or how to cope with it when it comes!!
Of how to manage the advances from the opposite sex.
Of how to protect themselves from the wicked uncle.
Hence, the adolescent girl goes more and more into a state of confusional dilemma, which may lead her into problems if not tackled / handled well.
Having discussed the triad of changes that appear and lead to consequent development in the body and the psyche of a young, growing-up child.
I leave you with all this info—of course you know all this, but here I was/am focusing on the young adults as well.
In my part “C” of this episode I will discuss some HEALTH PROBLEMS DUE TO IMPROPER DIET/PERSONAL HYGIENE and how it’s important for adolescents, as well as BIOHEALTH needs.
So just wait and look out for PART “C”. ===================================================================================
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