Adolescence can be an exciting time when children transition toward adulthood. However, the surge of hormones can trigger physical changes, which in turn may increase many teens’ self-awareness and self-consciousness. Newly forming brain connections happen so fast that they can feel overwhelmed. They will begin to seek their own self-identity and may struggle to gain their independence. They have increased desires to establish stronger relationships with their peers and more seriously consider their futures. These changes can open floodgates of emotions.

Adolescence comes with huge changes and challenges. Many teens find their emotions are less easy to control during this time. Sometimes the confusion and overwhelming emotions can come out in the form of anger.

You may not look at anger as a problem that needs to be addressed. After all, everyone gets angry from time to time. But sometimes teen anger can be unusually extreme, frequent, intense, seemingly unfounded, and can affect their relationships both in and outside the family.

What could their anger mean?

The Whys

Overlooking your teen’s anger can seem like the simplest solution, but that can lead to more misunderstanding and conflict. Parents do their best to understand the source of their child’s anger, which could be happening even without reasonable provocation.

So, what could be the reasons behind your teen’s anger?

It can be attributed to their surging hormones and the ensuing physical and neural changes in their bodies and brains. As their outside appearance changes, so can their perception of themselves. One of the strongest influences of self-perception is their physical appearance. If they are unable to accept certain physical attributes, such as their body image, their height, hair, skin, etc. teens can develop a negative self-image or lowered self-esteem. Social connections are incredibly important during the ten years, and strife among peers can be especially upsetting for teens.

There are other topics that may concern them deeply and complicate their confusion and responses. Some of these are the desire to be accepted by their peers, developing crushes, academic load, and extracurricular demands. In addition, your teen may also have difficulties as they embark on a journey of self-discovery while working on their independence. If anger is a go-to response that is frequently modeled at home, they may resort to it as well. Likewise, if there is family discord, teens may lash out in anger.

More Whys

Getting angry can be a defensive mechanism for teens to adjust and protect themselves from negative emotions such as pain, sadness, fear, and frustration. They may also act out when they feel rejected or bullied, and sometimes feelings of anger can turn into aggression. Some teens might rebel and break rules to push back against the adults in their lives.

While there are many reasons for a teen to be overwhelmed and angry, it can also be triggered by an emotional condition, such as depression, anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), bipolar disorder, or a recent traumatic event. Sometimes anger can lead to unhealthy or risky behaviors – smoking, drinking, and possibly experimenting with drugs.

Signs and Risks

The fact that anger seems to be a common reaction and defense mechanism of teenagers does not mean that it should be ignored. Your teen may benefit from counseling if they are frequently arguing with their parents, teachers, siblings, or peers. If they seem to be constantly looking for reasons to argue, isolating themselves, or if their anger seems out of control, you may want to seek outside support. Without the right help, the root of their anger may lead to other problems such as sleeplessness, feeling run down, academic troubles, and more.

Without treatment, anger can get worse, particularly when it is triggered by an emotional condition or a past trauma. Their anger can begin to intensify. This doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s important to be vigilant and pay attention to warning signs. If your teen is displaying intense anger, frequent loss of temper or blow-ups, extreme irritability, extreme impulsiveness, and becoming easily frustrated, it may be time to seek help.

Enough is Enough

Teenagers will continue to experience difficulties and they can emerge as well-adjusted, happy and productive adults. It is unlikely to get through adolescence without feeling frustrated or exhibiting strong emotions.

Teens need guidance while feeling that their opinions and feelings are being respected. They want to feel understood and validated. It is also critical to provide the right professional help when needed. It may be time to seek assistance addressing your child’s anger issues. The independently contracted counselors at Carolina Counseling Services – Cameron, NC can help your teen better understand and manage their anger.

Seeking help from a therapist contracted with CCS- Cameron can offer many benefits. The right counselor can help your teen understand their anger and learn to channel it more constructively. If it is a result of a past trauma or a pervasive emotional condition, therapy can help them process their emotions. Counseling can help you understand your teen’s anger, what it may mean, and where it is coming from. If enough is enough, then call today to make an appointment!

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