Fresh Answers For An Old Question! ?

Question

I posted this question a short time before in a differcategorygory and disappointednted at the results...I am hoping a fresh set of eyes yieldeild better results.

I am a young woman who physically matured early as a girl (began developing breast in third grade and menstruated in fourth grade) I also looked much older than girls my age. Being earlier developed caused me to have low self-esteem and body image and I often felt like an outsider at school. I often masked by chest in bulky clothes and sweaters. My personality also began to change during this time. I stopped participating in sports and physical activities and became painfully shy and isolated which continued well into high school. I basically stopped being a kid because I felt I no longer was one, I guess I never gave myself to fully live out my time as a little girl. As a young women (almost 20) I feel that the effects of developing so early are still haunting me. I believe that I suffer from social anxiety because of this. Can someone tell me my social anxiety truly stems from early puberty? Also can someone list any effects of early development as girls become women?

Answer 1

I am wondering if boys taunted you growing up?

Maybe you did not like any attention you might have received because of this.  Maybe you don't like your body.  

Have you thought about going for therapy?   I think this must have had a major impact on you.   Please take care of yourself.   Think about getting some help.   Good Luck.

Answer 2

I just finished reading a book by V.C, Andrews "Broken Flower" and it happened to tell the story of a girl that began developing her breast and menstruation stages in her early childhood; same as around the age you described. And it is true! things start to change, and want it or not, you will find yourself forced to develop a level of mental maturity to match your physical maturity.

It's normal you are feeling what you felt back then and you may also later on start experiencing other symptoms like depression (especially when you think back on your childhood memories and how you did not enjoy it while most girls did.

My breast was noticeable when I was in 4th grade and basically menstruated toward the end of 4th grade. In 5th grade my breast was almost fully developed and Yeah! some girls would even come up to me and ask me odd questions about my physical appearance, and I can recall how uncomfortable they would make me feel.

But at the same time, if you think of it positively, I was feeling unique and special because not only did girls talk to me about barbie dolls but also they were interested in learning slightly more about the development of their body and female organs.

I'm sure your social anxiety comes a bit from what you've lived, mainly from low-selfesteem.

I'm not listing all the effects because the more you know about them, the more you'll find yourself related to them, and convinced that you are sick when you are not!

Do not worry your life away, or go around thinking of people staring at you as if you were a sort of monster. Also, stop thinking about how people view you. You are 20 now and you've got a beautiful life awating you outside! Whatever it happened in the past let it rest in the past. Forget about treatments if you can treat yourself first.

And remember ! the memories of what you felt back then are gone as long as you, yourself are willing to let them go!

I did that and it feels sooo much relieved!

Hope this helps!