Hi … it’s me … again. Since I won’t see you for a few days, I had to make sure you all have enough work to do. Here is another interesting video that explains why you all are so moody all the time. Please comment below on the video clip and the article below. Mucho Gracis!
Why are teenagers so moody?
The volatile nature of teenagers’ emotions is as well documented as it is familiar to most parents. Research indicates that a succession of hormonal changes in the brain during puberty makes teenagers far more likely to display such behaviour. The changes start when the hypothalamus releases a protein called kisspeptin, which triggers the pituitary gland to release testosterone, estrogen and progesterone – the hormones that stimulate the changes we recognise in puberty. As well as development in the body – the formation of breasts, testes and so on – a lot of less obvious changes are taking place in the brain.
It also explains why teenagers are more likely to run into problems at school and social lives. Heightened levels of these hormones in the brain can also make a person more likely to take risks, which is why teenagers sometimes engage in more dangerous and risky behaviours than adults.
In addition, the prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain that controls risk assessment and planning ahead – is not fully developed yet in the teenage years. This means that the part of their brain that is supposed to stop them acting on this attraction is not up to the job. Teenagers also put far more value in peer acceptance than adults do – not being accepted among other people their age can call them to have intense feelings of unworthiness and anxiety. Scientists have pinpointed an evolutionary reason for this – it is important for adolescents to engage with people other than their family after reaching sexual maturity in order to reduce inbreeding and encourage genetic diversity.
This might explain why a child who is very close to his or her mother will suddenly appear to have no interest in her anymore, and “replace” her with a friend. Teenagers are also prone to higher levels of anxiety – and they’re not just being dramatic. In adults and children, the hormone allopregnanolone released in the brain in times of stress will calm us down. However, hormone changes during puberty mean that allopregnanolone can actually have the opposite effect in teenagers, leaving them prone to heightened anxiety.
The hormone is typically released in times of stress, which means that a love level stressful situation like having a big pile of homework can cause a teenager to become extremely anxious, panicked or depressed.
Circadian rhythms, which control our sleep patterns, also change during puberty. A teenager’s sleep pattern is likely to be set back a few hours, making them more likely to stay up late and sleep in late.
Given that they’re dealing with change in sleeping pattern, heightened anxiety, a propensity to respond emotionally and a desperation to be recognised by peers it is unsurprising that teens appear to be moody and disagreeable – it actually seems like they might be coping rather well.
Thankfully, being a teenager does not have to be all bad. The teenage years are a time when we are most able to adapt and take in new information, which is why they can immediately understand how to use the newest iPhone while you struggle to work out how to install Emoji. It’s also why teenagers can learn 16 maths equations in a night and memorise endless pop song lyrics. They also have a heightened ability to read and analyse social cues such as facial expressions, so are more likely to form positive relationships and are better at socialising. Teenagers can also make many positive changes in their lives if they wish to do so: risk taking behaviours aren’t always bad, and teens are likely to take lots of positive steps thanks to their fearlessness.
I feel like we are moody as teens is mainly because of our hormones.
Though some days I feel like we teens CHOOSE to be moody and difficult it’s necessarily our fault, lol. Teen brains also grow more white matter in certain areas of the brain during this time, in the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe. These areas of the brain deal with many different processes, including reasoning, judgement, and impulse control. My mum should read especially read this so she knows why I’m moody sometimes. So technically its not our fault its the hormones and the fact that we are growing into teens fault.
I feel like teens are sometimes moody because everything is changing like our hormones, school (transitioning to high school), and many more. I have been moody before and you do not even know that you are. It is kind of complicated but when I feel moody I am usually hungry, tired, and I feel like doing nothing. I do not even know why I feel this way. I would like to find out why all teens fell moody.
When being a teen it becomes more difficult because your are growing into an adult and your hormones become more different than usual and you are trying to get use to new work, skills, and active’s that are more challenging. This is a big step in your life and you have to get used to it.
I feel like one of the big reasons why teens are moody is because let’s say one day you are on Instagram (I don’t have Instagram) and you see that new pair of shoes or something. You really want them and ask your parents but they say no. But why would you want them in the first place if you already had perfectly fine shoes. This is kind of relating to the part of the video when he talked about peer acceptance which I think would be the main reason for wanting them. And then when your parents don’t get them for you you get really annoyed and think oh no everyone going to have these no shoes but I won’t. But then the next day you go to school and the same thing has happened to every other kid.
I think the main reason I’m moody at home is because I spend so much time in my room that I don’t like talking with my family. This sounds terrible, and it kinda is. I usually spend great amounts of time in my room a day. Probably around four to six hours (not including before school and sleep) I like socializing with my friends, because they are relatable and don’t try to be overly exaggerated. Which I feel my mom does because during the raptors game against the Golden State she was hooting and hollering and clapping, then looking at me like she expected me to be doing the same, but I would rather just watch the game in my room on my computer alone. She tries to relate to me but I like venting to my friends more than my mom because my mom would probably make a huge deal and I would rather handle it myself, don’t get me wrong, I know when it’s appropriate to get adults to help, but my mom always makes a big deal, trying to make me feel like she is my age. The line “you know I was once your age” but the times have changed since then.
I feel like everyone has been moody at least one time before and I guess it is because of our hormones. I’m usually moody because I’m really tired or hungry. One time my cousin got really moody because he really wanted this toy car but my aunt wouldn’t buy it for him. He got so moody I actually got a bit scared of him.
I feel a part of the reason why some (and not all teens are irritable) is because of social media and new millennial culture. Now a days with social media everyone feels the need to seem cool or something by showing off fashion, accessories, etc. I have felt some sort of pressure like this before I will admit, in a way sometimes I feel I was born in the wrong generation. Than I think about where I would be without my fancy AirPods and gadgets. But back to the point I know a huge factor to it is that puberty is starting to occur for some kids our age and hormones are changing and things like that I don’t really understand. I know sleep is really important as well which is a problem for me because 3 days a week I have hockey at 6:15 AM. Which would be fine if I could get to sleep but I’m a major night owl, so on those nights I usually sleep from 11:00 to 5:45. Which only gives me around 7 hrs then an hour of hockey which leaves me nearly dead for school energy wise so that could be a contributor to why I could have a short temper at times. Overall I feel I’m pretty good mood-wise all things considered.