Does My Teenager Have Anger Issues or is This Normal?
Dealing with anger issues in teens begins with an educated understanding of anger and anger management. Anger is an emotional state that can vary in intensity. The experience of processing anger initiates both physiological and biological changes. Anger can be caused by internal and external events, worrying or being anxious, and memories of traumatic events. Teens have little experience with anger, anger management, or how to process feelings of anger. Dealing with an angry teen is a problem that parents are not always sure how to cope with.
Differentiating between the feelings of normal anger and having extreme and out-of-control issues with a teen is a starting point. Making an assessment of the situation and determining the parents’ existing understanding of anger can begin to determine a plan to address extreme anger. Dealing with anger issues in teens can be difficult to get under control. Anger is often a secondary emotion in teens resulting from a stressful situation. Unacceptable behaviors from an angry teen must be addressed immediately before negative habits are formed, or something dangerous occurs.
Signs of Anger Issues in Teens
Dealing with anger issues in teens can be initially identified through inappropriate behaviors the angry teen displays. For instance, verbally abusive language, threats of violence, or lack of control leading to physical harm are certainly red flags that need to be immediately addressed. Also, fighting with peers or engaging in bullying behaviors are cause for concern. Parents finding their teens who are very sensitive and easily angered need to reach out for help as well. In this way, they can help their teens learn positive and healthy coping mechanisms.
Anger issues in teens can also be a sign of a mental health problem. Extreme levels of anger and consistent habitual shows of defiance may be pointing at a more serious issue. Professionals can assess your angry teen and provide recommendations on initiating a plan to help ease these strong feelings and behaviors. If teens are exhibiting any of the following signs and symptoms, it may be time to enlist professional considerations.
Signs of Anger Issues in Teens
- Continual acts of defiance and excessive arguments with parents, teachers, siblings, and peers
- Angry actions resulting in physical aggression or violence
- Extreme emotional outbursts
- Bullying and verbal threats toward others
- Irrationality in thoughts and behaviors
- Cruelty to animals
- Destruction of property
- Self-harming behaviors
These behaviors are “red flag” behaviors and need to be immediately addressed. Parents may need to include input from a professional to develop and implement a solid parenting plan to address anger issues. Modeling positive and healthy coping mechanisms for their own anger with the situation is helpful. Understanding and support from parents are vital in securing a trusting relationship with anger issues with teens.
Causes of Teen Anger Issues
Dealing with anger issues in teens can be difficult. However, monitoring teen behaviors, environmental factors, and underlying causes that may be already known can lead to a plan to treat this issue.
Determination of the teen’s maturity or capacity to understand and manage emotions and feelings can be a starting point. Adolescence is a stressful and difficult time in life. Parents may not have modeled the best practices for dealing with emotions and feelings causing teens to have the same problem.
Triggers commonly associated with severe anger in teens include:
- Low self-esteem or self-loathing
- Victim of bullying or persistent negative peer pressure
- Conflicts within the family or social community
- Traumatic event or death of a loved one
- Adoption issues
- Substance abuse
- Divorce or domestic violence
- Abuse
In addition, assessments for a contributing mental illness such as an anxiety disorder, phobia, or depression are an important consideration. When dealing with anger issues in teens, reaching out to the teens’ physician or a mental health professional can offer positive guidance and offer treatment if there is a mental illness present. Determining this possibility can change the treatment plans for anger management.
Types of Treatment for Angry Teens
Parents dealing with anger issues with teens need to provide treatment for anger management, develop a plan for helping their teen within the home and provide understanding and support for their troubled teen. After assessment for mental health issues, contributing factors, and the maturity of the teen with professionals, setting up professional counseling or therapy is important. Helping teens at home is just as important. For instance, help your teen by offering the following opportunities for guidance.
- Creation of boundaries and expectations for your teen
- Talk to your teen to open a line of trusting communication
- Encourage a healthy lifestyle through modeling
- Limit technology usage and encourage your teen to take up a hobby
- Set a good example for your teen
- Spend quality time with your teen
These strategies may create some education for the parents who are dealing with anger issues in teens. It is important to consider therapy or counseling outlets for a clear understanding of emotions, feelings, and positive and healthy coping mechanisms. Showing your teen that you are vulnerable and open to learning how to deal with anger in a healthy manner is empowering on all parts. Reaching out for professional help is crucial for those who are feeling frustrated and drained.
Dealing with Anger Issues in Teens in California
Parents who are dealing with anger issues in teens and are living in California have a great resource in their backyards! Launch Centers in Los Angeles are highly experienced with teens and the serious anger issues they experience. We offer many opportunities within our site to contact us or call with your questions and concerns. In other words, take action quickly to avoid any negative consequences that could occur due to extreme anger. Contact us today!
