5 Signs of Anger Issues In Your Teenager

Teenagers are often stereotyped as moody with unpredictable attitudes. Unfortunately, sometimes, those stereotypes exist for a reason. But when you consider what teens are going through, it makes sense. 

The teenage years are a time of change. Not only are they going through physical and hormonal changes, but they’re trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be. 

There’s a difference between “typical” teenage moodiness and anger. Anger can end up being dangerous and can sometimes be a sign of other mental health issues your teenager might be struggling with. 

So, how can you tell if your teenager is dealing with anger issues? Thankfully, there are some common signs to look for. 

1. Shutting Down

Shutting down might not seem like a sign of anger, but it can actually be quite serious. If your teen starts to withdraw from things they love, stop spending time with friends, and refuse to have conversations, they could be trying to figure out how to control their emotions. 

They might be dealing with extreme anger under the surface. But, they don’t know how to regulate those emotions or handle them in a safe and healthy way. So, they internalize and essentially try to become “numb” to what they’re feeling. 

This isn’t sustainable. Emotions always demand to be felt. They’re more likely to “boil over” at some point, so do what you can to talk to your teen if you feel like they’re shutting down. 

2. Emotional Outbursts

On the other end of the spectrum, some teens with anger issues might start to have emotional outbursts. These go beyond mood swings. These outbursts tend to be extreme. Your teen might yell, curse, and even try to destroy things. 

While it’s not a fun process, one of the ways you can help is by figuring out what triggers these outbursts, so you can get to the root cause of their anger. 

3. Bullying

Bullying others can be a sign of anger issues trying to work their way out in unhealthy ways. Your teen might be struggling with their emotions so much that they’re having trouble controlling their impulses. So, it leads them to pick on others without thinking of the consequences. 

If your teen has started to become a bully, remind them of the consequences. Offer healthier ways for them to express their anger that don’t involve harming others. 

4. Substance Abuse

As another way to cope with their emotions, some teens might try to numb what they’re feeling by turning to drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse is already a risk for teens due to issues like peer pressure. But, when your teenager is trying to mask their anger or get rid of those negative feelings, drugs can feel like a temporary fix. 

Unfortunately, this habit can quickly lead to substance abuse and addiction. Your teen might start to need more and more of whatever they’re taking in order for it to work, and even taking a drug one time can be dangerous. If you’ve seen any signs of substance use in your teen, it’s essential to get them help immediately. 

5. Self-Harm

Anger issues can often be overwhelming for teenagers who aren’t ready to handle such difficult emotions. They might be so intense that they can cause your teen to start hurting themselves. 

Self-harm is nothing to take lightly. Unfortunately, it can come in many forms and isn’t always easy to recognize right away. If you see any signs of self-harm from your teen, intervene immediately to get them the help they need. 

Anger issues in teenagers often stem from something deeper. Don't hesitate to reach out if you’ve noticed any of these signs. We can help your teen sort through their emotions and learn how to manage their anger effectively. with teen counseling or family therapy.