Teenage Anger Problems

Anger is a very destructive trait that can start in early childhood and teenage years.

FamilyEducation.com has some excellent tips on avoiding anger build up, and makes the point that all teenagers occasionally deal with anger problems. Their website states

All teenagers occasionally grow angry and rebellious and express these emotions in some fashion. Some methods of acknowledging aggressive feelings produce problems, others don't.

Anger and feelings of disapproval build up and then are released through different methods. We can exemplify this situation by using the image of an "anger" balloon. Each time something happens that we do not like, air is forced into the balloon and it starts to expand. Eventually, air has to be let out of the balloon. How anger is expressed is different for different people. Some people let anger build up until their balloon pops, and when this happens there may be an explosive outburst of anger over a minor annoyance. After this display of anger, there is usually a period of control until the balloon blows up again. Other people release air from the balloon every time it starts to fill. These are the individuals who appropriately express their feelings at the time they occur. Some other individuals release air through passive-aggressive maneuvers, displacement, or physical complaints.

Knowing some of the warning signs of anger management problems can help to avoid break out situations where the teenager may harm themselves or others around them. A few anger signs are:

• Openly and often defiant of requests
• Often demeans or swears directly to parent or others in authority positions
• Has left holes in walls and doors from violent outbursts
• Loud and yelling
• Frequently vocalizes anger
• Makes threats
• Seems to have emotional diarrhea, andlets it all out, all the time
• Furious temper.
• Uncontrollable fits of rage (usually these teenage temper tantrums are used as threats to get their way)
• Difficulty accepting a No answer
• Does not follow rules
• Often feels rules are stupid, or don't apply
• Destroys property
• Physically cruel to animals
• Physically cruel to people
• Initiates fights with others
• Seriously violates rules (at home, in school, or society in general)

Troubledteensofamerica mentions that in some circumstances intervention is necessary They state If angry bouts and temper tantrums persist, it might be necessary to see a health-care professional. Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Individual and Family Psychotherapy are helpful. There might be underlying psychological disorders that need to be treated with medications. Have a psychological evaluation done. Long-term anger management program in a Specialty Boarding School or Residential Treatment Center might be necessary. Sometimes well-run wilderness programs with therapy are adequate.

Teenage anger can be a very effective tool for a troubled teen. A defiant teen will have learned over the years that an outburst at the right time can produce some pretty amazing results. The positive reinforcement of giving the angry teen what he or she wants to keep him or her from causing a scene, only makes this habit more difficult to break. In some cases a parent may need to ask for some outside help. There are specialists that deal with issues like these, which may be able to help.

Circleofflight mentions: Other ways of treating anger include taking a step back from the situation before speaking. Most arguments escalate because the family doesn't think before they speak. You can't take back hurtful words once they are out, no matter how much you apologize afterward, so take the time to formulate exactly what you want to say before you open your mouth. I realize that this is easier said than done at first-anger management takes practice. Again, this is where a professional can come in handy.

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