Menstruation, Mental Health, and Wellness
Menstruation, Mental Health, and Wellness
Issue Date
2024-07
Authors
Derksen-Bergen, Brina
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This paper responds to the problem of menstruating students feeling unsupported in schools in their physical, social, and psychological wellbeing. This developmentally sensitive lens takes into account the intersection between all aspects of a menstruators life that construct overall wellness. The question "How can menstruators be supported by providing safe environments, and educational information to help them be successful in school and beyond?" is addressed in a literature review spanning the biological, and psychological experiences of menstruators, and the supports menstruators are offered through education. Some of the experiences of menstruators include dysmenorrhea, PMS, PMDD, and Menarche. The implications of this research are that many menstruation related disorders both psychological and physical go unreported and undiagnosed as period pain is either normalized or silenced, therefore, leaving menstruators unaware of the differences between typical and atypical menstrual cycles. This shame and culture of marginalization has a negative impact on menstruators body confidence and overall ability to take risks and succeed in schools. Recommendations include ways schools can foster a culture of openness, accommodate for, and support young menstruators through this period of
transition.
Description
Keywords
menstruation , mental health , school , education , wellness
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess