Many teens get into trouble because of an inability to
appropriately discharge feelings of intense anger. Teens become angry for
various reasons and express these feelings in a multitude of ways, but all have
in common the struggle of experiencing a painful emotion and not knowing how to
manage it. Inappropriate expressions of anger can have serious consequences for troubled
teens - but most have the capacity to learn better ways of coping.
Here's what parents can do to help...
Understanding Anger
in Teens
Anger is an emotion that is quite often challenging for
teens and at times can be overwhelming. A teen who doesn't know how to cope
with angry feelings may feel a strong desire to act directly on these feelings,
even when it puts them or others at risk.
Underneath anger are often difficult emotions such as hurt,
frustration or sadness that a teen tries to avoid or isn't aware they are
feeling. When a troubled teen is acting out their anger in problematic
ways, it can often be helpful for the teen to get in touch with what is driving
this emotion and how to express and discharge it in healthier ways.
Why Anger Isn't
Really the Problem
Feeling angry isn't really the problem for most teens. Although
anger can produce significant physical and emotional discomfort, it is an
appropriate response to being hurt or feeling frustrated or
powerless.
Anger is a real and important emotion to experience and be
aware of; it's the expression of this emotion that becomes a struggle for many troubled
teens.
Much like a toddler who has a temper tantrum when
upset or unhappy, a teen experiencing similar emotions often attempts to deal
with anger by discharging it onto other people or objects.
Many parents are forced to deal with teens driven by anger
who punch holes in the wall, get into fights or are mean to others or
themselves.
Strategies to Help
Teens Express Anger Safely
The challenge in helping explosive teens is keeping them
safe while they learn ways to recognize anger and deal with it more
constructively. There is a great deal parents can do to help an angry teen
learn ways to successfully cope with anger, here's how to help your teen
deal with their anger:
- Participate in
physical activities. The impulse to do something physical when feeling
angry is strong in most teens. Involvement in sports and other exercise
helps in expressing anger on a regular basis.
- Hit a punching bag.
Teens need safe ways to get their anger out, a punching bag works well, so does
hitting a pillow repeatedly, or using a foam padded bat.
- Take a time-out.
When anger escalates teens may need time alone to calm down and yell, cry or
whatever is needed so they stay safe and others are not negatively impacted.
- Get into music.
Popular with most teens, music works well to help teens identify and express
feelings of anger, whether through singing, dancing or playing along with songs
filled with rage.
- Identify triggers
to anger. The better your teen can make the connection between what leads
to angry outbursts, the more control they'll have in expressing this emotion.
- Creatively express
angry feelings. Both writing and drawing can be used effectively
by teens to express and understand anger.
When a troubled teen still isn't able to get a handle on
their anger it's time to consider getting professional help to get to
the root of their anger and learn ways to manage these feelings. Expressive
therapies help teens express anger; anger management groups provide
an opportunity for teens to learn from each other, individual therapy provides
a safe place to explore this difficult emotion.
Keep in mind that uncontrolled anger is sometimes associated
with mental health disorders in teens, so make sure to get professional
help for your teen if their anger continues to be a problem.
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