It was a weary Monday, and I was struggling with the usual Monday blues at school. I was at the awkward teenager stage—I did not feel loved or worthy of love—the burden of being misunderstood weighing heavily on my shoulders. Then, out of the blue, someone pulled me aside and whispered, “There’s blood on your skirt.”
I remember feeling guilty, though I didn’t understand why. Before I could even process it, the person who had broken this news had vanished. I was left alone with the shame of my first period. I waited for the other girls to leave before quietly making my way to the infirmary. I didn’t know what to ask for, so I simply showed the nurse the blood. …And then came the cramps…
The Importance of a Support System
There are countless teens today who, like my younger self, find themselves facing the uncertainty of their first period alone. The internet offers a lot of information about what menstruation is and how to manage it. However, nothing truly prepares a gawky girl for the physical and emotional challenges that come with it. The hormonal shifts, the pain, the blood along with the vulnerability of adolescence, can feel overwhelming. It is not unnatural to find oneself on the edge of breaking down. For many, a period can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s no support system to turn to for reassurance.
Despite all the information that is available at hand, this journey into menstruation is shrouded in mystery. Yes, every woman has to go through it, and yes, they get acclimatized to it. And yet, the initial few days are daunting and can mess with the mental health of a young girl stepping into puberty. Looking back, a supportive, open environment where I could feel safe to ask questions, share concerns, and most importantly, feel normal would have made all the difference for me.
How to Be the Ultimate First-Period Wingperson
A wingperson should have qualities and be well-prepared to support a teen on her first period. It is a delicate but quite fulfilling job. Below are the qualities one needs to be a good support system.
Make it Feel Natural
To start with, learn to call a period a period. It is important to normalize the experience and stand up against stigma. This can be done by treating menstruation as a natural part of life to reduce shame or embarrassment. How often have we seen sanitary napkins hidden in the remotest corner of a shop? The shopkeeper then wraps it in layers of newspaper. Treating menstruation as a normal biological process can make a huge difference. Next, provide the required information without exaggerating or hiding anything. Educating teens about the menstrual cycle, its symptoms, and how to manage them is vital.
Offer Emotional Reassurance
Acknowledge teenage feelings when they are dealing with free-flowing blood and the sight of it. If they are squeamish, ask them to breathe. When they are in pain, show them ways to be comfortable. Do not treat their emotions as run-of-the-mill or ask them to deal with it “like everyone else does”.
Supply Menstrual Products
Especially in the suburbs and underprivileged areas, people hide that they have had their periods. As a result, poor hygiene and diseases cause death among teenagers. However, the percentage of women using safe sanitary products has increased over the years. To accelerate this change and ensure everyone maintains hygiene, ensure easy access to sanitary products. Teach teenagers how to use them confidently firsthand, not through a screen.
Be Approachable
Being approachable is so important. When a teenager is sharing their thoughts, be compassionate. They should feel welcomed into a judgment-free zone no matter how awkward or uncertain they might seem. Listening without interrupting or dismissing their concerns is a good start. Lead with “It’s okay to feel this way,” or “I’m here if you have questions.” Just be available for help. Sometimes, it’s not about solving their problems but about showing you’re available to help without criticism or ridicule.
Offer Practical Help
Sometimes, a little preparation can go a long way in easing anxiety around periods. Help teens assemble a small “period kit” with essentials like pads or tampons, spare underwear, wet wipes, and a small pouch for storage. This kit ensures they’re never caught off-guard at school, during sports, or on outings. Explain how to use these products and pack some extra supplies for them to help others in such situations.
Be a Role Model
Teens often feel alone in their experiences, but sharing your own story can reassure them. Talk about the first time you got your period—how you felt, what helped you, and what you wish you’d known. Acknowledge any embarrassing moments and how you overcame them. When you show vulnerability, it creates a safe space for them to do the same.
Involve Boys and Men
Boys and men must also be involved in the conversation. Change is already in the air and we ought to accelerate it by encouraging more dialogues. Encourage fathers and brothers to support the teenage girls in their lives. They could pick up supplies, offer emotional reassurance, or simply listen. In schools, advocate for inclusive health education that teaches boys about periods, so they learn to be empathetic.
Conclusion
Any blow softens when you have people around to help you. Creating a supportive environment for teens experiencing menstruation for the first time is truly necessary. Just passing off the first period as a rite of passage never helps. Compassion and empathy are much needed in supporting a teen on their first period. Curate your reaction according to the needs of the person in question and do not impose your perspective on them. After all, puberty is a delicate time and everyone experiences it uniquely. The way we approach this moment can shape how young girls feel about themselves and their bodies.
