What does the first period feel like?

From Physical Tiredness to Mood Swings

The DOs & DON’Ts during the Periods

 

Feelings as wide ranging as anxiety, disgust, ambivalence, confusion, awkwardness, discomfort and nausea are associated with the onset of periods. Young girls may experience one or more of these feelings the first time they get their periods. The first period may feel like you have been deserted, you might feel lost or uncomfortable; while some may feel grown-up, ready for womanhood and to take on the world. Whatever your personal reaction there is a change you are experiencing which can have one or many of the following effects on you:

The Physical Effect

The chemicals produced in the lining of the uterus called prostaglandins make the muscles in the uterus contract which makes girls experience biological side effects like abdominal cramps. These cramps may further cause other effects such as cramps in the legs, backache and nausea. You may feel exhaustion or fatigue as a result, especially if it is a busy school day for you for example.

Use hot water bottle

A good way to counter these effects is to use a hot water bottle. Ask your mother, sister or a family member or friend to help you get a hot water bottle to use if you experience cramps on the first period. You may have had stomach aches in the past but these cramps are something new for you. They may be very mild, bearable or even intense. They may even become progressively intense.

Take Ibuprofen or paracetamol

If you are experiencing intense pain due to the cramps, consider taking ibuprofen under the supervision of an adult for example your mother, school nurse or your teacher. The medicine will reduce the pain within half an hour.

Take a warm drink

When you first get your period, it is a good idea to ask someone to make you a hot drink that you would give your body a soothing effect and energize you. It may be a shake with nuts for instant energy or your regular chocolate malt drink.

Take healthy light snacks to boost your energy

It is also a good to compliment the drink with a light snack like an energy bar, sandwich, fries or dates and nuts to ensure you don’t feel drained or exhausted. If you are not experiencing nausea it is easy to have any of these or any of your other favourite snacks. However, if you feel nausea as a result of cramps, you could force yourself to just have a few superfoods like dates, crackers or nuts. The edibles will make sure your body is energized, hydrated, your mind is at ease and you are in good spirits.

Rest and relax

If you feel the physical effects bearing down on you, you should give yourself enough time to rest, take a nap or just lay down on the couch with your favourite book or tv show and relax. This is your ‘me time’ as you transition into adolescence and the beginning of learning to take care of your body, mind and soul.

The Emotional Effect

Dealing with the physical effects may make girls low on energy which is why they can become moody. Mood and feelings come into a swing on the first period due to hormonal changes the young body is going through. This may also make you irritable, reclusive or cranky.

Take a break

If this happens on your first period, take a time-out and give yourself time to process the physical change your body is going through. Again, take a nap or read a book or do your favourite activity that is not too physically taxing.

Time-out

Also try not to interact with others if you feel irritable or cranky. Instead of getting into unnecessary arguments, it’s best to avoid others or situations that can get tricky or spiral into a confrontation. Take an alone time during the beginning of the first period. If that’s not possible or if you are in public, minimize interaction and be sure to stay relaxed and calm.

Indulge yourself

If you feel temperamental or moody, treat yourself to your favourite desert, snack, hobby, time-pass activity or even your favourite company. Do what you like to do best and indulge yourself to ward off your temporary moodiness, keeping yourself in a good mood.

The Psychological Effect

While some girls might feel elated because they have come of age, for some girls the first period can become a cause of stress, depression or confusion. Some feel included, more woman-like and mature as well as entitled and part of a ‘club’ called woman-hood while others may grapple with a certain degree of depression or confusion.

Stress might be caused because it is a big change for some to process or handle. The changes are sometimes too sudden, too big, too alien or absolutely unexpected so girls may feel confused, fearful or unsure of themselves. These feelings can cause stress for an adolescent.

Confusion may be caused due to varied experiences a girl might have heard prior to getting her own first period. Being unsure because it is the first time is quite natural and can make you confused about what is normal and what is not.

These feelings may also lead to a low mood and therefore, over a period of time or during the first period, you may start to feel depressed.

Speak to a trusted adult

To deal with these big feelings at this crucial time in life, it is worthwhile to speak to an older family member or a teacher for example the P.E teacher or the school psychologist. They are best able to comfort you and guide you in this confusing or depressing time.

Don’t give in to the negative emotions

Whether you feel a bit awkward, everything seems unreal or stressful, do not let these emotions take the better of you. Try not to be overwhelmed. Try your best to keep yourself calm and practice positive self-talk. Tell yourself everything you are feeling is normal and every girl in the world goes through this. Comfort yourself and keep a positive outlook!

Remember, however you may actually feel, the first period is certainly a reason to celebrate. Celebrate coming of age, reaching a milestone and celebrating womanhood. There is no reason that the first period should become a dreaded memory or a bad experience – even though it is certainly a NEW life experience.

 

https://www.sofy.in/blog/period-guide/about-first-period/first-period-in-school-dos-and-donts/

Written By: Amna Saadat Ali