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  Is it Puberty or a Mental Health Issue? Part 1 As young people begin to mature, and navigate puberty, they go through many changes – physical, emotional, and mental. These changes are all part of the normal and expected process of maturation, and will continue in some ways until their early- to mid-twenties. During this period of big changes, those around these rapidly-evolving humans may notice some new and different reactions to life. Responses to stress may be more emotional or aggressive; there may be more emotional volatility, and even signs of depression or anxiety. Some of these changes may be profound. But, is it “just puberty” or is it an emerging mental health issue? According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 75% of mental illnesses manifest by age 24, with about 50% of all mental health conditions beginning by age 14. The question then is: If so many mental health issues emerge during puberty, is there a connection? Does puberty cause mental