Signs of Anger Issues in Teens
Not sure if your teen is dealing with anger issues? Below, you’ll find common signs of anger issues in teens along with a few helpful anger management tips.
Bullying
Bullying can stem from various underlying issues. If your teen is experiencing bullying, it may lead to frustration or anger. Conversely, if your teen is engaging in bullying behavior, it could indicate difficulties with impulse control.
Talk with your teen about the impact of their actions and explore positive ways to channel and express their emotions.
Emotional Outbursts
Tears or sudden outbursts of yelling may suggest that your teen has been bottling up anger for a while.
As a parent, try to help identify the situations that trigger these reactions. In addition to discussing the underlying reasons for their outbursts, teach them grounding techniques to manage intense emotions.
Shutting Down
Teens may shut down emotionally when they’re unsure how to express their anger. You might notice signs, like getting one-word responses when you try to engage them in conversation.
Rather than jumping in with advice, share how their silence affects you as a parent or caregiver. Most importantly, remind them that you’re there to listen whenever they feel ready to open up about what’s on their mind.
Physical Aggression
Physical aggression in teens can involve actions like using weapons or attempting to harm others, which calls for immediate intervention from a mental health professional. Behaviors such as breaking or throwing objects and vandalism may reflect low frustration tolerance and can sometimes be used to intimidate others.
Self Harm
Self-harming behaviors, like hitting, cutting, or hair-pulling, can sometimes be a way for teens to cope with overwhelming emotions. This behavior may signal deep emotional pain. If you find out your teen is self-harming, start by addressing any immediate physical needs with first aid. Approach them with compassion rather than judgment, and avoid using a threatening tone.
Substance Use
Teens struggling with anger issues may turn to alcohol or drug use in an attempt to manage anxious thoughts and other negative emotions. Research indicates that adolescents with substance use problems often face multiple co-occurring mental health challenges. Addressing substance abuse typically requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that includes cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Passive Aggressive Behavior
Passive-aggressive behaviors in teens, such as procrastination, not following through, blaming, and making excuses, may not be openly confrontational, but they can signal underlying struggles.
Parents can help by calmly addressing these behaviors and modeling positive communication.
A counselor can also support your teen in understanding the reasons behind their actions and finding healthier ways to cope.
Does your child need help managing their anger?
Reach out to our team and take the first step to a better future.
And, make sure to ask about our groups for teens!