Let’s face it, everyone gets angry or irritated sometimes. It is normal to feel this way when you’re tired, hungry, upset, or have just had a bad day. Sometimes you might even wake up in a bad mood for no reason at all.
What is typical?
Everyone gets angry, t’s okay.
- Usually, anger goes away in less than 30 minutes.
- If you get angry a lot (many times a week) or it lasts a long time (hours), it might make you miss out on things you enjoy.
- Sometimes, younger people have a harder time dealing with anger than adults.
You might get angry if things do not go your way or if you have to do something you do not want to. Feeling like you want to cry, yell, stomp your feet, and kick something are all normal reactions when something makes you angry.
We often get mad at our parents or family because they are closest to us. We try to be more careful when reacting to situations that make us angry around friends because showing these angry feelings can make it hard to keep friends.
When should I be concerned?
Getting angry easily can mean different things.
- It might be a normal reaction to unfairness or not being cared for properly.
- It might mean there is another problem, like feeling sad or worried.
- Sometimes, it can be a problem on its own.
We should worry about anger when it messes up our lives or bothers others because it happens too often or is too strong. Getting angry easily can show that we need help. It often happens along with:
- Feeling very sad
- Feeling anxious
- Low self-esteem
- Sleep problems
- School troubles
- Bad experiences
Persistent anger is a concern when:
- You’re grumpy with friends and in class often.
- Anger lasts a long time.
- You get angry often.
- You want to hit, kick, or bite.
- You’re mad for no clear reason.
What can I do if I struggle?
It’s tough to deal with anger that sticks around. Try these tips:
- Talk to a trusted adult: A parent, family member, or someone who cares for you can help.
- Understand your anger: Think about what makes you mad. Is it hard to control your feelings? Is there a problem you cannot fix?
- Calm down: Take deep breaths, find comfort in something you like, or go to a quiet, safe place.
- Healthy habits: Stay active, eat well, and do things you enjoy.
- Focus on your strengths: Remember the good things about yourself.
- Celebrate progress: Reward yourself when you handle anger better.
What kind of professional support can I seek out?
If you struggle with anger, there is help available.
A family doctor or nurse, or other health care professionals, can help if you are concerned about your anger. They can refer you to other specialists, including mental health professionals, which can also be helpful.
Where to find more information
If you need additional help or information, talk to a trusted adult (like a caregiver, teacher or mentor), a counsellor, or a health professional. Reach out, stay connected, and ask for help. Remember that effective treatments for all mental health problems are available and you may need to talk to a number of different people before you get the help that you need.