Your Budding Daughter: Some Practical Suggestions for Parents

What? Already?
Puberty in Girls, Step By Step
The Stages of Development
'Is This Normal?' When to See Your Physician
Helping Your Daughter to Be Well-Informed
Sex Education
Menstruation, tampons and pads
Bras
In Closing

What? Already?

Puberty! It started happening to my 10-year-old daughter this spring. She needed new sandals - women's size 7 sandals! She got those little bumps under her nipples that we doctors call 'breast buds'. Next, I was 'excused' from joining her in the dressing room when we shopped for her clothes, and the bathroom door was locked when she showered. The pants I hemmed up in June were too short by October, despite only being washed once. And she admits to 'maybe' having a few hairs 'down there'.

As a loving mom and adolescent medicine specialist, these are heady times for me. I am proud of my daughter and thrilled to see her embark on this road toward womanhood. I know that she is progressing normally. But still, I think, 'Hold on, she's only in fifth grade!'

My daughter is perfectly normal. Puberty, often first recognized at the onset of breast development, usually begins about the time a girl turns 10. There is a wide range of 'normal' starting times, and the onset time varies in different ethnic groups. For instance, it may occur between the ages of 8 and 14 in white girls, and may begin as early as 7 years of age in African American girls.

Puberty in Girls, Step by Step

Puberty is outwardly manifested by two main sets of changes:

  • Rapid increases in height and weight, referred to as the height and weight spurts

  • Development of breasts, and pubic and axillary (underarm) hair

Tracking the changes during puberty

These changes, and the other physical changes of puberty, occur in a predictable sequence. We use sexual maturity rating (SMR) scales to track a youngster's progression through puberty. Knowing the timing of these changes, related to each other and related to the sexual maturity ratings, is very helpful. After all, most of us like to know what to expect. For example, when my daughter developed breast buds, I was able to tell her that she'd start finding little hairs near her labia majora (outer lips of the vagina) within six months or so. And she knows that she is likely to have her first menstrual period about 2 years after her breasts first started developing. This means she'll be a little over 12 years of age, close to the national average of 12 years and 4 months.

The height spurt

Ultimately, 20-25% of a girl's adult height is acquired in puberty. The height spurt usually begins just before or after breast budding develops. Over a period of about 4 years, girls grow close to a foot taller than they were at the beginning of the height spurt. The bones that grow first are those furthest from the center of the body. This is why my daughter's shoe size shot up before the rest of her body began growing faster. The earlier growth in the arms and legs accounts for the awkwardness and 'gangly' appearance of many teenagers. Their center of gravity is shifting, and they haven't gotten used to those long arms and legs. The growth in the spinal column alone accounts for 20% of the height increase. This is why it is important to check for scoliosis (sideways curvature of the back) before puberty begins. A slight curve can turn into a much larger one during all that growth.

The weight spurt

A girl's height spurt is followed about 6 months later by her weight spurt. This is, of course, when she can never get enough to eat. Fully 50% of ideal adult body weight is gained in puberty. In girls, the proportion of body weight in fat increases from about 16% to nearly 27%. Lean body mass, especially muscle and bones, also increase substantially. It's the growth and maturation of bones, in particular, which makes calcium intake so important.

Getting enough calcium

Most of you know of the importance of good calcium intake for all women, especially growing teenagers, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. Milk and other dairy products are the least expensive, most convenient sources. Nonfat milk has just as much calcium as whole milk. If your daughter doesn't like milk, try doctoring it up with chocolate powder or syrup (this is the only way I can get my daughter to drink it). Calcium is also available as a nutritional supplement in tablet form, but many teenagers find the tablets too large to swallow comfortably. Your daughter may like the fruit or chocolate-flavored calcium-supplement chews available in drugstores now.


The Stages of Development

The table below summarizes the events at each stage of development. The average (mean) age listed here can vary widely; about 2 years either side of these listed ages will usually be considered normal.

Sexual Maturity Rating Average Age (Years) Features What Happens
1 8 2/3 Growth, breasts and pubic hair Height spurt begins. Body fat at 15.7%. Breasts are prepubertal; no glandular tissue. No pubic hair.
2 11 1/4 Breasts The areola (pigmented area around the nipple) enlarges and becomes darker. It raises to become a mound with a small amount of breast tissue underneath. This is called a 'bud'.
2 11 3/4 Pubic hair and growth A few long, downy, slightly darkened hairs appear along the labia majora. At the end of this stage, the body fat has increased to 18.9%.
3 11 2/3 Growth Peak height velocity (maximum growth rate) is reached. Body fat is now 21.6%.
3 12 Breasts Development of breast tissue past the edge of the areola.
3 12 1/3 Pubic hair Moderate amount of more curly, pigmented, and coarser hair on the mons pubis (the raised, fatty area above the labia majora). Hair begins to spread more laterally. Menarche (first menstrual period) occurs in 20% of girls during this pubic hair stage
4 12 3/4 Pubic hair Hair is close to adult pubic hair in curliness and coarseness. Area of pubis covered is smaller than adults, and there are no hairs on the middle surfaces of the thighs. Menarche occurs in 50% of girls.
4 13 Breasts Continued development of breast tissue; in side view, areola and nipple protrude.
4 13 Growth End of growth spurt. Body fat reaches mature proportion: 26.7%. After menstruation begins, girls grow at most 4-5", usually less.
5 14 1/2 Pubic hair and Body fat Adult. It is normal for some long pigmented hairs to grow on the inner thighs. Body fat remains at 26.7%.
5 15 1/4 Breasts Adult breasts.

'Is This Normal?' When to See Your Physician

Parents often have concerns about whether their daughter is starting puberty too early or too late, or whether she is progressing normally. Occasionally they may also notice a physical feature which seems 'different' and want to check it out. Hopefully, the information provided above will be useful in charting your daughter's progress. But whenever you are uncertain, it is best to seek out medical advice. Every girl is different.

Some 'differences' that should lead you to the doctor

There are a few things that should definitely lead you to the pediatrician (or adolescent medicine specialist, if there is one in your area). They are:

  • No breast development by age 13.

  • No menstrual period by between the ages of 13 ½ to 14.

  • In a girl who is at Sexual Maturity Rating 3 or higher, cyclic abdominal pain (pain similar to period cramps) every 3 to 5 weeks, but no menstrual periods. This is rare.

  • Development of pubic hair but no breast development within 6 to 9 months.

Breast development is a very individual thing. There are, however, a number of potential 'dilemmas' to be aware of in this process. They are:

  • Asymmetry (one breast much larger than the other): This may be minimal, or it may be visible even when your daughter is dressed. Some girls with asymmetric breast size are embarrassed to wear a swimsuit, regardless of the extent of asymmetry. In severe cases, plastic surgery is the ultimate answer. This can be performed in teenagers after puberty and after the breasts are fully grown.

  • Very large breasts: Very large breasts can be a source of constant embarrassment and self-consciousness from puberty onwards. They can also cause medical difficulties, namely back problems. Plastic surgery is 'medically indicated' and may well be covered by a health plan, particularly if you and your surgeon are persistent.

  • 'Too small' breasts: Breasts that are 'too small' may also cause embarrassment. Small breasts do not cause medical problems; they do not affect a woman's ability to nurse a baby. With that said, I live in southern California, where breast augmentation seems to be 'de rigeur' for anyone who wants it. Regardless of where you live, I suggest trying some of the ideas in the 'tips' section below before delving into the intense debate about breast augmention surgery. Remember also that teenagers are famously self-conscious about their appearance. Once your daughter is older, she will hopefully have developed more self-confidence. She will then be in a better position to make an educated decision about breast augmentation.

  • Inverted nipple(s): An inverted nipple means just that: the nipple is pointed inwards, rather than outwards. Looking at the breast from the side, you do not see the tip of the nipple protruding. This condition occurs occasionally. It can interfere with breast-feeding. If you notice it, bring it to your doctor's attention. A new non-surgical treatment has recently become available.

  • Tuberous breast disorder: This is a fairly uncommon disorder that often goes unrecognized until a new mother has difficulty breast-feeding. In this condition, growth at the base of the breast (where it attaches to the chest wall) is restricted by a band of tissue. Breast tissue, therefore, grows outwardly while the base remains narrow. This results in a breast shaped like a tuber (for example, a potato). Tuberous breast disorder is surgically correctable.

Helping Your Daughter to Be Well-Informed

Hopefully, your daughter is already well-informed about puberty and the menstrual cycle. It is also important at this time that she be well-informed about sexual intercourse and sexuality.

Sex Education

I recommend that you and your spouse/partner talk with your daughter about when you think it is acceptable to have sexual intercourse. Please be sure that she is well equipped to decline or refuse sexual intercourse - and that she knows that anyone, including a friend or a date, who forces her to have sex, is committing a crime.

She should know that pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are the common consequences of teenage sexual activity. And, despite your own recommendations, she needs to know about contraception - including emergency contraception. Emergency contraception refers to the 'morning after pill', and it is much less unpleasant and much easier to obtain nowadays.

Menstruation, tampons, and pads

  • I suggest that girls make themselves familiar with their bodies by using a hand-held mirror to look at their genitals, early in puberty if possible. Having a drawing on hand is helpful in identifying the different parts of their anatomy. I believe that this helps girls to become more comfortable with their developing bodies. And when the discussion comes to tampons, as it almost inevitably does, they have a better sense of what is involved.

  • Within a year of the time your daughter begins breast development, purchase several different packages of sanitary supplies for your daughter and invite her to check them out. I consider this part of 'de-mystifying' menstrual periods. (And, one of her visiting friends might need something).

  • Every girl should maintain a menstrual calendar to keep track of her periods. I suggest she keep a small calendar and pen right with her sanitary supplies. It is most helpful for physicans reviewing the calendar if the first day of flow is marked, say, with a circle and the last day with an 'X'.

  • What about tampons? There are pluses and minuses. Sports involvement may be limited or impossible for girls who are having their period but not using tampons. Other girls are fastidious and do not want to risk a bloodstain on their clothes. Still others are uncomfortable about touching their genitals or fearful that using tampons may be painful. Here is what I recommend to my teenage patients:

    • Talk about tampon use with your mother. Some mothers are concerned that using tampons means that a girl will no longer be a virgin. Actually, the opening in the hymen (membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina) is usually large enough for a mini-sized tampon by the time of a girl's first period. Other mothers are rightfully concerned about the risk of toxic shock syndrome. This has become a rarity since the materials used to make tampons were changed some years ago. I believe that tampons are safe for all women, provided that they are changed at least every 4 hours during the daytime and do not leave the tampon in place for more than 8 hours at night. Some women prefer to use tampons during the daytime only.

    • If staining, and not sports participation, is the primary concern, then an investment in black panties might be all that is needed.

    • Try different brands and types of pads and/or tampons to see what works best for you. 'Super' pads can feel (and look) like a diaper on a diminutive teenager. On the other hand, a 'mini' tampon may not absorb enough flow to last more than a few hours, and this can be a problem at school. I suggest a combination of a mini-tampon and a pad for maximal protection.

    • If your daughter wants to try tampons, I recommend trying teen-sized tampons (marketed as such). I think that a slim plastic applicator is easier for a girl to use than tampons without an applicator or with a cardboard applicator. Also, a bit of lubricating jelly or Vaseline placed on the tip of the applicator may make the insertion easier at first.

 


Bras

  • When to wear a bra? I think that whenever your daughter requests one, it's time. Developing breasts are quite tender, and even the logo on a sports T-shirt may cause discomfort. Fortunately, those smooth cotton 'sports' bras are available everywhere.

  • If your daughter is concerned about breast asymmetry, consider purchasing a padded bra and removing the padding from one side. In more marked cases, you might wish to order a set of the bra inserts advertised in newspapers and women's magazines. Again, use the insert in one side only. If this is inadequate, I recommend that my patients who are too young for surgery, or who can't arrange payment, seek out assistance at a shop specializing in breast prostheses (artificial breasts). Although generally used by women who have had a mastectomy (removal of a breast), a prosthesis can also be helpful for severe breast asymmetry.

  • Given the emphasis on 'normalcy' and on breasts in our society, I think it is reasonable for her to wear a padded or lined bra if she wishes. Most commonly, only older girls (SMR 4 or 5) have this concern. As mentioned earlier, this is a temporary concern for many adolescents.

  • If your daughter has very large breasts, it is important that she wear a bra designed especially to provide extra support, often by use of a criss-cross design in the back. If possible, it should be purchased at a department store that has specially trained undergarment fitters.

Getting more information

If you need help or more information on any of these topics, there are some great web sites operated by SIECUS (the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States) and Planned Parenthood. SIECUS has a special 'For Parents' section. Planned Parenthood has a special section for teens, and there is also a special website for adolescents called 'Go Ask Alice' from Columbia University. For the most up-to-date information about emergency contraception, check the Emergency Contraception website at Princeton University.

If you haven't already done so, purchase or borrow books about puberty, sexuality, and teen issues for your daughter. SIECUS provides an excellent bibliography of resources for parents, children, and adolescents. Here are a few of my personal favorites. You'll find more information about them in the SIECUS bibliography.

It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Sex and Sexual Health, by Robie H. Harris

My Body, My Self, by Lynda Madaras and Area Madaras

What's Happening to My Body? For Girls, by Lynda Madaras

What's Happening to Me?, by Peter Mayle

The Period Book: Everything You Don't Want to Ask (But Need to Know), by Karen Gravelle and Jennifer Gravelle (When it comes to periods, this is the most practical book; it's fun, too.)

In Closing

This article has focused mostly on normal and non-gynecological aspects of puberty. While my suggestions and recommendations are far from complete and definitely not inclusive, I hope that the information provided above have given you some information on what physical changes to expect during your daughter's puberty.

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2027, December 27). Your Budding Daughter: Some Practical Suggestions for Parents, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 28 from https://www.healthyplace.com/sex/teen-sex/your-budding-daughter-practical-suggestions-for-parents

Last Updated: March 26, 2022

Being Overweight Affects Your Sex Drive

Being overweight hampers your sex life

Add a bad time in bed to the list of ways excess weight can impede your life satisfaction. In a survey of more than 1,000 obese and normal-weight men and women, more than half of obese people reported problems with sexual enjoyment, sex drive or sexual performance or avoided sex altogether, compared with only 5 percent of their normal-weight counterparts. It's unknown whether the problems are physical or psychological. However, losing weight makes obese women feel more confident, says Martin Binks, Ph.D., co-lead researcher and director of behavioral health at Duke Diet & Fitness Center in Durham, N.C. And that's true for women who are merely overweight too: After dropping 10 or 20 pounds, women told Binks "they feel younger sexually."

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2025, December 21). Being Overweight Affects Your Sex Drive, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 28 from https://www.healthyplace.com/sex/body-image/being-overweight-affects-your-sex-drive

Last Updated: March 26, 2022

Lots of Food. No Sex. Time for Rehab

I'M AN ADDICT. My drug of choice isn't heroin, crystal meth, or crack cocaine, but it's just as destructive and impossible to kick cold turkey. I'm strung out on food.

I'm 35 years old, stand 5'10" tall, and weigh 300 pounds. I am obese. Over the years, I've tried every diet to hit The New York Times best-seller list, yo-yoing all over the scale, from a rotund 315 pounds down to a burly 245, and rebounding back to a plump 300. Nothing seems to work, and inevitably the jones to graze always gets the best of me.

Every evening, I eat myself into a coma, then crash in front of the TV or down enough Jack Daniels and ginger ale to dull my senses. My edibles-as-drugs problem is compounded by the fact that I live in New York City, home of the world's best food fixes--thick, juicy steaks at Smith & Wollensky's, the world's greatest pizza at John's, dry-rub baby-back ribs at Virgil's BBQ, and the tastiest ethnic restaurants. But, let's face it, even if I lived in a gastronomic backwater, I'd still do the same thing.

This is what it's like being a walking fat body: I have to shop at big-and-tall stores, paying top dollar because nothing in the pages of this or any magazine fits me off the rack. I need a seat-belt extender on airplanes. And I have a hard time stuffing myself into the cheap seats at Knicks games.

Even more disturbing: My weight is harshing my sex life. Performance isn't the issue--it's just getting in the game. Usually hesitant to approach women, I often rely on friends to make the opening move. I shrug it off to shyness, but I know the real reason: I'm afraid to have relationships with women because I don't find myself attractive, so why, I figure, should they?

I'm not looking for your pity. Fuck that. I'm comfortable in my skin. While the looks and sneers sting, they usually come from superficial assholes I wouldn't want to know anyway. But the health implications do terrify me: limited mobility, diabetes, liver damage, gout (from which I already suffer), heart disease, and stroke. All point to an early grave.

Then came the assignment: Spend two weeks at the Duke University Diet & Fitness Center (DFC) in Durham, N.C., and write about it for Men's Fitness. I felt like I had just won the lottery.

Orientation: May 9

Established in 1969, the DFC is one of the country's oldest weight-management centers. From the outside, this one-story brick building looks like my old grammar school. But inside, it's more like a clinic, with its large gym, 25-meter pool, and many doctors' offices. Its program teaches health and wellness through diet, exercise, and behavior modification--voluntary rehab for the weight-challenged.

Looking around orientation, I size up my hefty comrades. They, too, seem to think, "What the hell did I get myself into?" When the time comes for introductions, this might as well be A.A. "Hi, my name is Chuck, and I'm obese."

I was sure the other attendees would wallow in self-pity: "I ate myself into a blob because life dealt me crappy cards." Boo-fucking-hoo. But in reality, I get a positive vibe from my fellow food fiends. Most are fired up for the coming battle and unafraid to share experiences. I admire that.

Day One: May 10

Enrolling in the DFC is like earning a master's degree in healthy living. The most repeated lesson: The keys to fitness are time management and organization. But to me, the idea of planning out meals and exercise is non-spontaneous and unappealing--I've always flown by the seat of my extra-large pants. This will be the hardest adjustment.

Medical, nutritional, physical, and psychological evaluations begin today. I'm poked and prodded by anyone in a lab coat. The goal of this interrogation, explains DFC director Dr. Howard Eisenson, is to produce a clinical profile to ensure I'm healthy enough to go through the program. It's humiliating--I can't go more than seven minutes on the treadmill during my stress test. My lab results show no abnormalities, but I still feel like a big whale.

Day Two: May 11

Today we focus on good nutrition. You need a comprehensive understanding of what healthy comestibles are and how they affect your body. Indeed, as Funkadelic once put it, "Free your mind and your ass will follow."

During my physical assessment, I realize exercise doesn't have to be monotonous and shouldn't be painful. The slogan "No pain, no gain" is bull-shit. "If you're hurt," cautions Gerald Endress, DFC's fitness manager, "you won't get off the couch. Your success in this program and in life depends on getting out and doing some physical activity."

As the day ends, one thing is clear: Losing weight and getting healthy will be a long process. I didn't wake up one morning with this huge gut. It took years of lethargy to eat and drink myself into this shape. I simply let my consumption spiral out of control in college--and never stopped.


Day Three: May 12

This morning, I attend a meditation class to learn how to "communicate" with my body and make peace with my inner-hunger demon. Sounds ludicrous, but I am actually able to converse with my pained parts--specifically, my sore back muscles, pounding head, and grumbling stomach--simply by concentrating and asking each what it wants. By recognizing there is a problem, my body feels better. This type of touchy-feely crap normally doesn't fly with me. This experience, however, is enlightening. (It still freaks me out, though.)

Next up, I meet with nutrition manager Elisabetta Politi, who corroborates my worst fear: I eat too much shit. Who would've thought fast food, Chinese delivery, and pizza aren't good for you? "Proper eating is all common sense" she says. "Stay away from heavy fats, count calories, eat less processed sugar, limit your sodium intake, and you'll be fine."

Uh, easy for her to say. In my world, eating isn't just a means of sustenance--it's a social event. Food should be enjoyed, even celebrated. "You can still eat out in restaurants with friends," she assures me. "Just choose the right things off the menu and manage your portions. You'll learn."

Behavior modification, then, is the gateway to shedding pounds. Of course, when I was young, my parents practically taught me the opposite--that leaving food on my plate was a waste of money. Or they'd say, "Clean your plate: Kids are going hungry all over the world." This was clearly a mistake of good intentions, but it's not their fault I have self-control issues. They were looking out for my best interests. Now I'm an adult. I have to learn to leave more food on my plate.

Day Four: May 13

Let's talk alternative exercise--yoga, for instance. I thought that was a chicks-ercise. But after road-testing these simple stretching movements and correct breathing and relaxation techniques, I'm invigorated, my focus and mental acuity enhanced. Also in my new routine are water aerobics, a daily one-hour walk, and, three times a week, a half-mile swim and weight workout. This healthy-living "crap" might just work.

Later, my group gathers to interpret our lab results. Mine are not good. Suddenly, my newfound enthusiasm takes one to the gut--I have quantitative evidence that I'm on the road to an early grave.

My glucose is high. (I'm, like, one candy bar away from diabetes.) My cholesterol's good/bad ratio is bad/bad. (It's 6.2--it should be under 5.0.) And my triglycerides (fat stored in the bloodstream) are double the norm. Plus, I display four of the five indicators for increased risk of heart disease. (My father, while not overweight, died of a heart attack at age 59.)

Graded on a curve, my results aren't so horrible: A couple of people in the group learn they have serious medical conditions needing immediate attention. Others' cholesterol levels are as high as the population of Hong Kong. Still, this doesn't comfort me. After all, I'm on what is derisively called a "fat farm." And I'm not vying for the DFC's coveted Most Weight Lost prize. I'm fighting my own demons.

Day Five: May 14

What a turnaround--I'm on top of the world this morning! I've lost nearly eight pounds.

Portion control helped get me to this point. They're not starving me, just giving me smaller amounts of healthier foods. Instead of eating lots of starchy fillers--potatoes, rice, etc.--my plate is filled with fresh vegetables, salad, and fruits. Food preparation is also key: limiting oil, mayonnaise, and fatty condiments, and grilling or steaming foods, not frying.

The result: I feel better, I have more stamina, and I'm thinking more clearly--after just five days!

I'm also really digging Pilates. The stretching and strength-enhancing movements have loosened my limbs, improved my flexibility, and tightened my stomach muscles. (It's even better in a coed class: Some of the positions are very sexually suggestive.)

Though I'm enjoying my time in this sheltered environment, I wonder how I'm going to translate my experiences here to the real world. That's where today's Planning Your Restaurant Experience class comes in handy. It teaches us how to order off the menu by asking the waiter about ingredients and preparation. And we're reminded about portion control, a difficult hurdle for me because I've always enjoyed the supersize, more-for-my-money mentality.


WEEK 2

Day Eight: May 17

Eating healthier starts with buying healthier foods. This afternoon, nutritionist Monette Williams takes me and another patient, Warren, on a tour of a Kroger's supermarket. Instead of grabbing items off the shelves impulsively (as I would at home), we stroll the aisles and carefully read nutrition labels. The foods Warren and I normally buy are loaded with sodium, processed sugars, and wasted calories. Now we're empowered, knowing which foods to reject and which to embrace.

Last Day: May 22

I'm a convert. Two weeks ago, I would never have predicted such a change in lifestyle and attitude. Now I know that pessimism is what killed my other healthy-living attempts.

Still, going home is a little scary. I'm worried about falling back into gluttony. But I've resolved to join a gym, mapped out my exercise regimen, and worked out some menus. I've lost 12.5 pounds and more than halved my triglycerides to normal. Last Thursday, I was ready to buy burial insurance--now I'm looking into mountain bikes.

One Month Later

The real world isn't as scary as I predicted. I'm still losing weight (I'm down 24 pounds), and I exercise daily. Every morning I stretch, then walk an hour. I lift twice a week, play racquetball, and do yoga and Pilates. And I can't imagine powering down Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough on the couch.

The DFC taught me we all need to get off our fat asses, exercise, and eat healthier foods. More important, I learned I have an amazing support system. My family and friends are here for me, and I can call them anytime.

I'm still hardly slim--I strive to be 200 pounds by May. At that point, I'll be a changed man. Well, a thinner, more fit one, anyway.

THE WAR ON FAT

SUCK IT IN

According to Harvard research, Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements may incorrectly classify some men as being over-weight when they are, in fact, in very good shape. Why? Muscle weighs more than fat, so a 250-pound weightlifter and a similar-sized office drone can often have the same BMI. That's why--if you're trying to get fit--it's better to focus on your waist circumference, rather than your actual poundage. You can mark progress with a tape measure, or simply grab a pair of jeans you can't fit into anymore and try them on once a week. Even if your weight and BMI aren't changing with your workout, the jeans should gradually start to fit you better--a sure sign your program is working.

CHUBBY HUBBY

It's not just your imagination that having a wife weighs you down. Most married men are thinner pre-vow than post--as those wedding pictures (and cruel friends) are sure to point out. One theory suggests that not being on the lookout for a partner allows you to get comfortable (i.e., fat). On the flip side, marital problems also lead to stress-eating and the inevitable weight gain that follows. But before you swear yourself to the single life or call that divorce attorney, there is one more twist to the equation. You may be thinner when you're single, but studies show that married guys live significantly longer than bachelors. The choice is yours, cowboy.

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2025, December 16). Lots of Food. No Sex. Time for Rehab, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, March 28 from https://www.healthyplace.com/sex/body-image/lots-of-food-no-sex-time-for-rehab

Last Updated: March 26, 2022

The Power of Starting Over in Binge Eating Recovery

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In the time I've spent recovering from binge eating disorder and disordered eating, I've learned how to start over in recovery. I've probably had to "start over" in binge eating recovery a thousand times. Starting over so many times has taught me how to forgive myself and look at myself with eyes of understanding.

When I experience a day (or weeks) full of struggle with food, I know in my core that my struggle will not last forever. I will bounce back. I can and will decide to start fresh, not just tomorrow when I wake up,  or next week, but right now in the present moment. 

Today I am thinking about the idea of starting over because I am, again, starting over. After some weeks of eating in a way that has made me feel tired, depressed, and anxious, I am here writing and starting fresh as I breathe and type. 

Tips for Starting Over in Binge Eating Recovery

After a binge, the discomfort of emotions is so heavy, it feels like I'll never feel good about myself again. Dramatic, yes, but it does feel like a crumbling of my self-esteem after years of dealing with the same issue. Maybe you've felt the same way. 

After so many years of learning how to start over the day after a binge, I have a few tips that help me bounce back faster.

  • Learn your fresh start rituals --  What helps you feel like you can start over? I always shower, "wash off" the guilt I feel about the day before, and practice yoga afterward to inhabit my body positively. You could take a walk, lie down and let yourself rest, record your thoughts in a journal, or tell someone who cares about you what you're experiencing.
  • Every moment is an opportunity to start over -- For a long time, I felt like if I overate, then the entire day had been ruined. In reality, with each passing moment, we have the opportunity to start over. We can forgive ourselves and make room at any time of day to start over. To signal to yourself that you're going to start fresh, you could step out of the room, sip a glass of water, stretch, feel the air on your skin, or pay attention to your breathing. Do something out of your usual routine to disrupt your habit patterns.
  • Acknowledge how you're feeling -- What tends to stick around for too long after a binge is the residue of a feeling. Eventually, the feeling I'm experiencing will pass. When I acknowledge that I'm feeling an emotion, I can give it space and separate from it. My mood will shift when I acknowledge the exact emotion(s) I'm feeling. 

This morning I did not want to look at myself in the mirror, but I did, and I practiced looking at myself with eyes of compassion and understanding. Only we, ourselves, know how we struggle. May we be kind and acknowledge our little victories and opportunities to start over again.

Every time you start over in recovery, you are training an essential muscle needed in every aspect of life. The more we practice starting over, the more resilient we become. I hope this post encourages you to think of starting over as a powerful tool as opposed to a sign of failure. Take good care.

Surviving Christmas With ADHD

Posted on:

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. Even if you're not especially religious, the holiday season offers people a chance to reconnect with family and friends in an atmosphere of merriment and good cheer. However, for those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Christmas can pose problems.

How To Stop ADHD Ruining Christmas

Here are a few tips I use to ensure Christmas is a cracker - a time when trouble rarely sprouts.

Recognize Stress Hotspots

Christmas only happens once a year. And, in the effort to make it a special occasion, stress can often ruin the day. This stress will manifest in different ways and vary according to type. However, if you have ADHD and are anything like me, stress will appear in a predictable manner.

For example, the volume of entertainment available on Christmas day--and over the entire festive period--often worked against me. All at once, I would try to watch films and play with presents and clean the house and check on the dinner. All this behavior led to disappointment and frustration.

If you do something similar, then focus on one thing at a time. If you're watching a film, then watch the film - your presents (and wrapping) will still be there when the film ends. Is the clutter annoying you? Tidy the room after the film ends. I'm not suggesting you treat Christmas day like a miltary operation; after all, it's supposed to be a fun time. However, if you have ADHD you may recognize the futility of multi-tasking in this manner and benefit from doing one thing at a time instead.

Make a Conscious Effort To Be Zen

Being relaxed is easier said than done. If you have ADHD and it's Christmas, that's doubly true. What's worse, the desire to make Christmas special can cause enough stress to ensure it's special for all the wrong reasons. So, it's important to breathe and relax and understand that whatever is worrying you probably isn't as big a deal as you think it is.

In between fretting about the roast potatoes, take time to remember the important things about Christmas - family, friends, fun, and great food.

Pinpoint Your Escape Hatch

These tips, while helpful, aren't perfect defences. Despite your best efforts, there may be times when everything gets too much and you need to put time and distance between you and all the Christmas that's happening. When that time comes, you need somewhere quiet you can go to. That might mean going to your bedroom and putting headphones on. Or, it might mean taking a long walk. Whatever you decide, carve out some time that's just for you. This time alone will break the day up, could improve your mood, and might make you a jollier person to be around once you rejoin the festivities.

Do you have ADHD? How do you manage Christmas? Let me know in the comments.

When Speaking Up Against Verbal Abuse Doesn't Work

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Speaking up against abuse can be especially difficult for anyone who has been a victim of repeated verbal abuse. Although I find it easy to be the voice for others when I see an abusive situation, it's entirely different for me. I have often faced circumstances when I knew I should have said something and defended myself but could not find my voice. I still struggle to have the same strength I give to others vulnerable to abuse

When Speaking Up Against Verbal Abuse Doesn't Work: Gaslighting 

I recognize many situations from my past that were riddled with verbal abuse. In many of these instances, I did speak up, only to have the abuser ignore my feelings or request to stop the behavior. Years later, I wonder if this disregard when I was brave enough to speak up has chipped away my confidence to continue to be strong for myself. 

One time in my life stands out to me, and I can now see how it affected my perception as the years went on. With the birth of my third child, I had carefully chosen the baby's name with my two older children's help. I was excited and proud to introduce my new little one to the family. 

Unfortunately, one of my parents didn't like my baby's name and refused to call it by its given name. Instead, they would introduce my child to friends and neighbors as someone entirely different. And although I always persisted that it wasn't my baby's name, I was ignored and disregarded

These friends and neighbors would laugh and say it was just a joke, but this behavior that ignored my child's given name continued for over a year. I eventually gave up trying to get my parent to understand how rude this behavior was. Therefore, I would just follow their inaccurate introduction with a simple comment that it was incorrect and reintroduce my child correctly. 

Tired of the Struggle of Speaking Up Against Verbal Abuse

I realize now that there are some situations where I am ready and willing to speak up for myself when someone isn't treating me properly. However, it continues to be an issue for me in circumstances where I repeat myself only to be ignored or disregarded. 

At this point in my life, I am tired of the struggle against abusers. If I must repeat my request for respect from someone, I will often stop trying and move forward without interacting further with them. I don't want to waste any more time with someone who won't treat me the way I deserve. 

Walking Away for My Mental Health 

Although it may sometimes seem like I am running away and avoiding circumstances that can be abusive, this survival tactic has helped me build my supportive inner circle. Consequently, I no longer include individuals who are harmful to my self-esteem and damaging to my mental health. 

I am slowly finding peace in my life where I don't have to face verbally abusive situations often. Although they still come up occasionally, I surround myself with people who don't rely on verbal abuse to navigate their relationships. 

If you have a difficult time with verbal abuse from others, it may be time to start re-evaluating those you keep in your life and how to make better connections with people who can support your mental health. 

Why I Hurt Myself When I Was Anxious

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If you've ever wondered, "Why do I hurt myself when I'm anxious?" know that you are not alone. Public perception tends to associate self-harm with depression, but anxiety can be a major factor, too.

I Hurt Myself When I Was Anxious

I know what it's like to self-harm out of fear because I've done it. It wasn't my only modus operandi, but I did sometimes hurt myself when I was anxious—and I was anxious pretty often.

Depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand for many people; they certainly do for me. For me, those twin feelings were so tangled up that sometimes it was hard to know which was really driving my self-harm. In retrospect, the answer was probably both.

But even if it's clearly anxiety and not depression that's got you in its clutches, know that it's still not all that surprising that anxiety can trigger self-harm. Fear is uncomfortable; after all, it's meant to warn us of danger. It should be uncomfortable. But when anxiety lingers—and worse, when it interferes with your ability to live your life fully—it feels like a trap, one you may feel desperate to escape. Self-harm can feel like an escape. It hurts, but then you feel better. It's a release of pressure, a way to vent when other options seem inaccessible.

In truth, it's just another trap. Hurting yourself to feel better creates a vicious spiral that can become increasingly difficult—though never impossible—to break free from. The sooner you find some healthy alternatives, the better.

What to Do Instead of Hurting Yourself When You're Anxious

So what should you do if you hurt yourself when you're anxious? How do you find a better way to feel better? Watch this video to find out.

The most important takeaway here is simply that there are alternatives to using self-harm to cope—and many of them. If one doesn't work, another will. It takes time and patience, but hopefully, you will have some help along the way. If you haven't already, I strongly encourage you to reach out for some extra support from a medical professional or at least a trusted friend or family member if you can. If not, just know you're not alone—and you can still get better.

I know because I did. I've been clean from self-harm for more than 10 years, and while it wasn't easy, it was absolutely worth it.

A Self-Care Tip for Schizophrenia

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Self-care for schizophrenia is imperative, so protecting my brain is a high priority for me. By self-care, I mean eating nutrient-dense foods (fuel) and exercising, and I also include the things I consume daily, like music, books, movies, magazines, news, etc. In computer science, they have a saying, "garbage in, garbage out." The phrase means that if you put trash into the system, you get trash out of the system (usually referring to poor data). The metaphor is also applicable to my brain.

I try to watch wholesome shows on my streaming services; romantic comedies always uplift me, and lately, I've been working through a list I found on the Internet of the 100 best movies. Of course, I avoid the ones with graphic violence. I'm currently enjoying watching some European films produced in the 1950s. 

When I listen to music, I frequently put on classic '80s tunes because I know most of them by heart (so they are familiar), and they don't disturb me like heavy metal or hip-hop.

When I'm reading, I choose books, primarily memoirs (I'm currently reading the musician Bono's memoir). I avoid certain types of stories, like murder mysteries, that are graphic or highly suspenseful (I need no help at all raising my stress level).

All of these are choices I make to ease some of the symptoms of schizophrenia.  

Choosing Self-Care for Schizophrenia Is Not Always Easy

Making these self-care choices for schizophrenia and avoiding what everyone else is watching, listening to, or reading may seem extreme to some people. It can leave me feeling outside of popular culture. However, as someone who hallucinates and has intrusive thoughts trying to keep what I expose myself to, sticking to things that are funny, heart-warming, cute, family-centered, etc., helps with the quality and content of my thoughts and, therefore, the health of my brain. 

In my life, if I were constantly exposing myself to violent or disturbing images, or content of any kind, those ideas, images, lyrics, etc., would stay with me throughout my day (and possibly much longer) and make their way into my sleep. Having schizophrenia is challenging enough without adding dark and scary things to populate my mind. As someone who frequently deals with paranoia, like thoughts that someone or something is out to get me, it is helpful to reinforce the idea that the world is safe, happy, and hopeful and can sometimes have happy endings.

All of these things don't mean that I put blinders on when it comes to real issues like poverty, people without health care, people who lack treatment options, etc. It only means I feed myself a steady supply of pleasant brain food to try and help my brain stay in the realm of the positive, kind side of life instead of the more scary, violent, or dark side of life. 

Pregnancy Conversations in ED Recovery

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I’ve chosen to avoid pregnancy conversations over the years. I hesitate even to broach this subject in therapy sessions, and the reason is simple: I'm ambivalent about motherhood. The irony is I love children. I am a huge fan of my friends' little ones. I find my nieces and nephew irresistible. But I don't feel strong maternal instincts, and I lack the desire to parent children of my own.

There's also the issue of pregnancy itself. I have been in eating disorder (ED) recovery for a long time, but I still harbor complicated emotions about the physical changes I would experience if I were to conceive. All of that used to feel abstract and theoretical—a matter to shelve for now and worry about later. But recently, I've had to confront this fear of pregnancy conversations in ED recovery. 

Pregnancy Conversations Scare Me—But I Am Facing the Fear 

I am 31 years old. My husband will be turning 31 this week. All of our friends in this stage of life are parents already. To be honest, sometimes it does seem like we're behind the curve. But societal pressures aside, my interest in becoming a parent is much lower than my husband's. I think he would burst with excitement if I were to show him a positive pregnancy test tomorrow, whereas I might collapse in terror. He knows how I feel and continues to reassure me it's not a deal-breaker for our relationship. However, within the past month, he has been eager to discuss it more often than we ever have before. Despite my fears, I understand it's crucial to wade into this pregnancy conversation—both for the sake of my marriage and ED recovery.  

So, as uncomfortable as it feels, I am not shirking this topic of discussion anymore. With a new year around the corner, we have agreed as a couple to reach our final decision about pregnancy in October 2023. We chose this date because it coincides with our anniversary and a bucket list vacation to Nepal that we've been saving to take next year. I'm not sure if my current outlook on pregnancy will shift by then, but I am committed to exploring what it would mean to overcome the fear and imagine myself as a mother. Could I embrace those physical changes as remarkable and miraculous parts of biology? Could I marvel at this feat my own body is capable of—the power to create another human life? Could I learn to be curious about pregnancy rather than afraid? These questions are uncharted territory, but I can have an open mind. 

I Can Enter into More Pregnancy Conversations in ED Recovery

Sometimes I wish life would continue indefinitely with just me, my partner, and our cat. But I also recognize my husband wants more, and I love him enough to seriously consider making the transition into parenthood, no matter how ambivalent I personally feel. This will require confronting the fears, insecurities, body image distortions, and other complex emotions I still wrestle with. But the first step is a willingness to enter into the discussion, so over this next year, I'll stretch myself to have more honest pregnancy conversations. And who knows—maybe becoming a mother will be the final frontier in my path to ED recovery.    

See Also

There's No Bliss Here Today, and That's Okay

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This is my fourth attempt at writing a post today, and it'll be a miracle if it's my last. Since waking up this morning, I've started three different articles on three different topics, only to give up each after just a few sentences. Nothing was ringing true. So, I've decided to write about the only thing that does feel true, which is that today, I don't have much to say about bliss. I feel no bliss. 

Feeling No Bliss Is Triggering Imposter Syndrome 

Writing a blog about bliss has forced me to closely examine a lot of my own assumptions about what it means to be happy and live a good life. When I accepted this blog contract with HealthyPlace, I felt like I needed to write out of some kind of authority. Other blog authors were writing from lived experiences with diagnoses or mental health challenges. I felt I needed to match this by acting as some bastion of positive psychology.

Over the past few months, though, it's come to my attention—again—that I'm just an average Jo(e). Sometimes I'm really happy, and sometimes I'm really not. I've sobbed on the floor at least once a week for the past month, and I've also spent hours staring at one ceiling or another and feeling nothing at all. This is par for the course for me, especially during the long nights of winter when my self-diagnosed seasonal affective disorder kicks in and has me dragging; and, at first, this made me feel like an imposter.

What can I possibly offer to a discussion of bliss when half of the time, I feel nothing in particular? What can I write about when, as often as not, no thought crosses my mind about happiness, misery, or anything in between? 

Trying and failing this morning to write something insightful, I realized what a glaring error this kind of thinking is. Bliss isn't some gated community where inhabitants fart rainbows and live in technicolor every second of the day. I'm beginning to think bliss is nothing more than perfect acceptance.

Technicolor days, days without a flicker of light or warmth, days so bland and average that nothing is worth saying about them--all of these comprise the human reality. Perhaps bliss is the peace that rises when you realize that one kind of day rolls into the next and on and on. As a nominal "authority" on the blissful life, I'd be doing you a disservice if I hid my blank spaces. So I've decided not to. I've decided to tell you about them.

Radical Acceptance Helps When There's No Bliss to be Felt

I'm not worried. Depth of emotion comes and goes, and I trust entirely it will come again. When it does, I promise to tell you about it, whether it's miserable or fantastical. Until then, I'll leave you with this lesson that today has taught me: it's okay to feel not much. It doesn't mean you're dissociated, apathetic, or straying from the good life. It doesn't mean anything at all. Accept it at face value, and don't think twice.

It's a dreary day here in Georgia. Rain is dripping from a slate sky like a leaky pipe, and the temperature is, unfortunately, seasonal. Winter seems, finally, to have arrived—the season of pause. For the rest of the day, I'll take it as such. I'm not going to try to hack my way into feeling brighter, not going to try to pry anything out of myself that doesn't gently step forward. I suggest you do the same.