Uncontrolled anger during the teenage years can lead to destructive behavior, damaged relationships, and negative consequences in the long run. However, anger itself is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. Teens with anger issues must learn how to manage their anger in healthy ways. The adolescent anger management program at Family First in South Florida provides a safe and supportive environment for teens to learn how to cope with their anger.
Why do teens get so angry?
Teens and adolescents face constant changes that can contribute to anger problems. Physical, emotional, and social changes can feel overwhelming and, without a way to vent, lead to outbursts. Anger can be a result of:Â
Academic pressure
Problems with friends
Bullying
Body image issues
Family conflict
Trauma or neglect
Grief or loss
Stress and anxiety
A health condition
Loneliness
When do outbursts go too far?
Moodiness is a normal part of the teenage experience. You’re not alone if your teen has argued with you, stormed off, and slammed the door to their room. It can, however, get out of control. Quick tempers, anger that can’t be calmed, constant aggression, and violence toward themselves or others are signs that your teen could use some help. Anger can (and, without addressing it, will) affect their relationships with friends and family, how well they do in school, and how they work with others.Â
Anger management at Family First
We know that every teen gets angry for their own reasons. Our team works with teens to identify their triggers so they can learn why they get angry in the first place. From there, they work together to find good, approachable ways to calm down and divert angry energy into more constructive uses. We may use a variety of tools depending on their needs, including:Â
Part of these programs
Skills we teach in anger management
At the end of the day, we want to help your teen find better ways to cope with their anger. That way, they can have better relationships with new and familiar faces alike. Some of the skills we teach in our South Florida anger management programs include:
- Anger decoding to help them learn to recognize why they’re angry in the first place.
- Self-soothing to find what works for them when trying to calm down.
- Mental health exploration to uncover the deeper issues causing their anger.
- How to communicate what they’re feeling and what they need.
We also want to help you rebuild the special bonds you have with your child, and that requires more than just focusing on their symptoms. Parent support groups, educational classes, and family counseling sessions all go a long way in helping you understand your teen’s experience and learn how to support them after treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my teenager so angry?
Your teen could be angry for any number of reasons. Most likely, though, if they’re having a hard time controlling their anger, they’re struggling with their mental health. Depression, anxiety, trauma, and more can all lead to anger. Neurodivergent conditions, like ADHD and autism, can also cause outbursts of rage.Â
Why should I worry about my teen’s anger?
Uncontrolled anger can cause issues in their relationships. They may fall out with family members, lose their friends, have a hard time connecting with new people, and get reprimanded at work. Serious anger can also be dangerous, as it can lead to things like road rage, self-harm, and violence toward others. Without addressing it, teens with anger problems become adults with anger problems.Â
What is the best therapy for anger management?
It depends. Talk therapy is one of the best ways to address the root issues that cause anger, and it’s also a great way to learn how to diffuse anger. Experiential therapy helps teens find new ways of expressing their anger without resorting to outbursts. Medications may not be effective at controlling anger, but they can help reduce symptoms of a mental health condition, which can make the anger easier to address.Â
How can I help my teen with their anger issues?
The most important thing is to be patient and willing to listen. It can be tough, especially if you’re on the receiving end of an outburst, but being calm is a good way to model the behavior you want to see from them. When they’ve calmed down, talk to them about their feelings and validate why they feel that way. From there, you can work together to find ways to help them calm down when they’re feeling angry.Â
Contact us today
We offer anger management as part of our teen treatment programs in Palm Beach Gardens and Ft. Lauderdale. No matter which level of support your teen needs, we can help them learn to channel their anger in more constructive ways. With more than 120 years of combined clinical experience, you can trust they’ll be in good hands at Family First. Give us a call at 888.904.5947 or message us online now.Â