Teenage angst is common, but how do you know when this angst turns a corner and becomes an issue with your teen? There are some specific signs you can be on the lookout for so that this anger does not lead to physical assault, destructive behavior, reckless driving, or worse. Enrolling in an anger management program can be the best course of action for this situation.
At Imagine Omaha, the anger management treatment program has been highly beneficial as part of co-occurring disorders treatment. Severe anger issues can be a result of a mental health or substance use disorder. So, with a dual diagnosis, the conditions should be treated simultaneously for the best outcome versus being treated separately. The treatment team at Imagine Omaha can help guide you to a program that is the best fit for your teen.
Signs of Anger Issues in Teens
Anger can look different, depending on the person and the situation. It can be mild feelings of frustration and irritation or intense feelings that lead to destructive behavior or physical abuse. The anger can be directed at an individual, a situation, or even yourself. In some cases, a person may not even know the source of their anger.
While not all feelings of anger are harmful, when they become intense and disrupt everyday life, this can directly affect one’s mental health. Yelling, temper tantrums, and arguments may be normal teenage actions when angry. However, severe anger issues can lead to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression or even substance use disorders.
5 signs that your teen may need professional help through an anger management program include:
- They are getting into physical fights with classmates or family members
- They are making serious verbal threats
- A romantic relationship has turned violent
- They are self-harming
- Their outbursts manifest themselves by destroying physical property
If you observe any of these signs of anger issues in your teen or adolescent, a professional anger management program can offer guidance and professional treatment.
What Is Anger Management Treatment?
At its very basic level, anger management helps to process angry feelings in a healthy and constructive way. A variety of methods can be used as part of a customized anger management program.
No matter the approach, the goals are the same—to reduce the severity of the anger, to reduce how often they become angry, and to reduce or eliminate the negative effects of their anger.
In anger management, therapies come in the form of individual and group therapies. Therapies focus on:
- Developing better communication skills
- Redirecting bad habits
- Learning healthier and more effective coping techniques
- Practicing mindfulness through breathing and meditation
- Non-traditional experiences through art, music, and outdoor activities
- Cognitive restructuring
- Building a strong support system
With the right skills and coping mechanisms, anger can be properly managed.
Reach Out to Imagine Omaha For Teen Anger Management
Anger and defiance in teens can be normal, but when severe and consistent, it can also be a cause for concern. Finding an anger management program that caters to teens and their unique needs is the best way to help them. While anger is a normal emotion, teens may experience more severe anger issues for a number of reasons. The social and emotional challenges of being a teenager are many and can be very overwhelming. To better understand the potential impact of anger issues on your teen’s mental health, contact the team at Imagine Omaha.
Taking care of your teenager’s needs is our first priority at Imagine Omaha. We offer a variety of customized programming with therapies to assist your teen and get them back to a happy, healthy, and productive lifestyle.
Therapeutic approaches include:
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Trauma therapy
Reach out to learn more about anger management treatment by calling the treatment team at 888.306.2681 or completing the convenient online inquiry form.