Anger

Anger is normal for everyone. We all feel angry sometimes even if it seems there is no reason for us to feel that way. Both adults, teens and kids all feel angry and it’s alright to feel angry. If you think your anger is overwhelming or is a long term issue, it is useful to seek help.

Disorders or illnesses caused purely by anger are quite rare (for example intermittent explosive disorder) and aren't often diagnosed by doctors. However, there are many other mental health problems which may either be the cause of our anger or may be adding to and magnifying our anger such as stress, frustration with home or school life. You can get more insight into these using the link at the bottom of the page. 

Drugs and alcohol both alter the chemical balance in our brain. They can make us feel angry at the time which is often natural. If you are using drugs and alcohol regularly then this can make us more angry. Drug and alcohol use can result in a higher chance of developing many mental illnesses. It can also cause a reliance on them to feel normal.

Need support?

 Talk to Frank gives honest information about drugs and alcohol.

 Drink aware has advice about young people and alcohol. They also have advice on how to recognise alcohol poisoning. 

  Drinkline is a confidential helpline for anyone concerned about drinking. You can call them for free from Monday to Friday from 9am to 11pm on 0300 123 1110.

• Obesity does not cause anger. However, sometimes people who struggle with their weight can feel frustrated. They may be affected by pressures to look certain ways. We all feel this way sometimes but it is important to understand that you should feel comfortable whatever you look like. There is no direct biological link to obesity and anger.

• Exercise is a great way for us to deal with our anger. Exercise allows us to get away from the world we often feel stressed or overwhelmed in. It also has many health benefits linked to reducing stress. So when we are feeling angry it’s good to get out and do some exercise that we can enjoy.

• Sleep is vital for us to function well. If we don’t sleep properly we become irritable and much more prone to feeling angry. Often a lack of sleep leads to increased anger.

Sometimes we feel we have a hard time dealing with our anger and there is nothing we can do to help us stop it. This may be a sign of a mental health problem that you need help dealing with.

There are a number of ways to get help. The best places to go are either to a teacher in school you trust, your parents or to your local GP practice. Find out how to contact your GP.

Anger may be caused by any number of things. Sometimes we may have experienced things in our past that lead us to feel angry.

These things may include: 

• Family. It’s possible to learn unhelpful behaviours from family members around us.

• Traumatic events. When and if we experience a traumatic event it may leave us feeling angry and potentially leave us prone to outbursts of anger.

• Substance abuse. You may have used alcohol or drugs in the past and they may cause you to feel angry.

Anger is both psychological and biological.

Biologically there is a very complex system working inside us when we get angry. The basic idea is that adrenaline (a hormone) is released in large amounts into the blood. This is to prepare the body for great physical exertion (fight or flight). This is what makes us feel hot, have a fast heartbeat and breathe more heavily.

This response is usually brought on by a high stress situation in which we may feel angry, frustrated or as if we are being treated unfairly.

Letting things go is often difficult, especially when we are angry.

The best thing to do when in a situation is to find something to calm ourselves down. For example using breathing techniques or meditation.

Letting things go in the longterm is often more difficult as it may be hard wired into our brains. Often the best thing to do is either seek help from those around us (friends, family, teachers, doctors, nurses) or find a good outlet such as going to the gym or running.

Anger is related to our hormones. It is most strongly linked to adrenaline which causes the physical response in us.

Sometimes it can feel like we are being told our anger is because we are a teenager. We are told that we are going through puberty, that it is normal to feel this way. This is true but it doesn’t fully answer the question or help us deal with it.

In both men and women during puberty there is an increase in cortisol levels. This is associated with mood swings as well as the physical changes of anger (rapid heartbeat, feeling hot, etc). This is just one of many changes that may lead to us feeling more angry. 

Also, a big question often asked is whether or not the menstrual cycle plays a role in anger. The short answer is yes. Changes in hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone often increase irritability and anger.

We shouldn’t assume our anger is just hormones. We might have others reasons for feeling angry which need exploring.