Teen Violence

If you have a troubled teen with anger issues you must read this article. Find out what may trigger or cause teen anger issues, ways teens may express their anger, and some possible consequences if you let teen anger issues go unresolved including violence, depression, and more.

Anger is a normal emotion everyone feels at times, usually in response to something negative happening. When teens seem to be controlled by anger, however, they may have anger issues. There are many causes of anger issues in teens, but it is important for teens to get help for anger issues regardless of the cause.

Everyone feels angry sometimes, and teens especially may feel emotions, including anger, very strongly. It is normal for teens to sometimes argue with their parents or get angry over things that may seem unimportant to others. Teens may have anger issues, however, when they either bottle their feelings inside and don’t deal with their anger, or let their anger get out of control by frequently yelling, hitting, fighting, or otherwise lashing out toward others. They may also try to control others with their anger. Teens with anger issues need help to deal with their emotions in a healthier way.

Many different things may trigger anger issues in teens. Some possible causes of teen anger issues include:

• Changing hormones as teens’ bodies mature
• Feeling emotions very strongly
• Struggling with the process of growing up and establishing independence
• Lack of self-control or self-awareness
• Stress, which may come from many causes, including being too busy or feeling too much pressure
• Unresolved family problems, including divorce, abuse, or financial troubles
• Anger in family members or other role models, including friends and the media
• Depression
• Grief
• Substance abuse
• Low self esteem

Teen anger issues may be expressed in many ways, such as:

• Road rage
• Dating violence
• Trying to control others, including parents, with anger
• Acting irritable or being in a bad mood frequently
• Fighting
• Arguing
• Outbursts of rage, sometimes against those who are innocent or weaker, including younger siblings or pets

Teens need to learn to be responsible for their emotions and keep their anger under control. This starts by being aware they are getting angry and learning to have self control. Teens may need to learn anger management techniques to control their anger issues. This can include doing something active or learning relaxation techniques. Teens should also learn that it's not bad to feel anger, only to let it control you.

Letting teen anger issues go unresolved can have serious consequences for teens, like:

• Getting in trouble at school or at home
• Becoming obsessive over things in the past that hurt or embarrassed the teen and caused anger
• Violence, hurting themselves or others
• Isolation from family and peers
• Headaches
• Digestive problems
• Insomnia
• Teen depression
• Anxiety
• High blood pressure, which can lead to heart problems and strokes
• Susceptibility to other health problems

Teens who have uncontrolled anger or are acting aggressively or violently toward others need help. If it is safe, parents should talk to teens about their negative behaviors. If parents do not feel safe doing so, they need to seek outside help. A counselor or therapist may be able to help individuals or families deal with teen anger issues.

Sources:

Nemours, TeensHealth, "How Can I Deal With My Anger?" [online]

SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center, "Helping Your Children Navigate Their Teenage Years: A Guide for Parents" [online]

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Occupational Health, "Helping a Grieving Teen" [online]

SAMHSA Family Guide, "Dating Violence Common Among Teens" [online]