Adolescence in Flux: Hormonal Shifts, Emotional Crises, and the Impact of Spring

At 16, an individual faces a period of rapid change, when hormonal and psycho-emotional shifts push the body and mind to search for a new identity. During this time, a young person undergoes powerful transformations—from the physical body to the consciousness—leading to sharp mood swings, inner tension, and even conflicts with those around them. The struggle with self-doubt, insecurity about the future, and potential displays of aggressive reactions are clear signs of how challenging it can be to cope with new issues related to personal growth and the transition to adulthood. The onset of spring can play a special role in a teenager’s emotional state. Although this season is usually associated with renewal, it sometimes becomes an additional source of tension due to its unpredictability and external irritants. Sudden weather changes, along with intense auditory and visual stimuli, can intensify inner instability, causing thoughts to spiral in a whirlwind of doubts and anxieties. Thus, the combination of biological processes and social expectations creates fertile ground for the emergence of emotional crises, making the transition to adulthood a period that requires extra care and support. All of this serves as a reminder of the need for a gentle approach toward teenagers, as timely help can be a deciding factor in normalizing their psycho-emotional state.

Why might unwanted or embarrassing thoughts arise during adolescence, for example at 16, and how can a season like spring influence this state?

During adolescence, particularly at the age of 16, an individual experiences a turbulent period full of hormonal and psycho-emotional changes, as the body and mind strive to understand their new identity. As noted in one document, “The transitional period is a time of great stress. The active growth of the body, hormonal restructuring, sexual maturation, development of personality, making life choices, and entering adulthood—all these pose significant challenges for former children, who do not always know how to handle them. This often manifests as aggression, defiance toward parents, teenage rebellion, and inappropriate actions.” It is precisely at this moment that a teenager may experience unwanted or embarrassing thoughts, linked to uncertainty, self-doubt, and emotions that are hard to process immediately.

Regarding the influence of spring, this season is perceived not only as a time of renewal but also as a period of crisis that can exacerbate a teenager’s emotional instability. For instance, one source states, “Why did I say that spring is a time of crisis? It is an age that is fragile, requiring special care and attention... It is an especially vulnerable period for mental health during adolescence.” Spring can intensify inner experiences due to its abrupt and changeable nature, with external factors like sounds and visual changes further activating emotional responses and leading to even greater turbulence of thoughts.

Thus, the combination of biological and social factors during adolescence creates conditions that make the emergence of unwanted or embarrassing thoughts more likely, while the seasonal change—especially during spring—can act as a trigger, amplifying emotional discomfort and a sense of inner crisis.

Supporting citation(s):
“The transitional period is a time of great stress. The active growth of the body, hormonal restructuring, sexual maturation, development of personality, making life choices, and entering adulthood—all these pose significant challenges for former children, and they do not always know how to handle them. This often results in aggression, defiance toward parents, teenage rebellion, and inappropriate behavior. Suddenly, a teenager’s character may change dramatically; they might start being rude or become withdrawn. Their mood can shift constantly—from joyful and excited to depressed. Their psyche becomes unstable. Many young people in this period experience suicidal thoughts, feeling deeply unhappy, abandoned, and unwanted. Sometimes these thoughts may even lead to action.” (source: link )

“Why did I say that spring is a time of crisis? It is an age that is fragile, requiring special care and attention... It is an especially vulnerable period for mental health during adolescence.” (source: link )