TeenHealthFX - Answers - I Get Angry At The Littlest Things

Anger / Question
Published: April 15, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I get angry at he littlest things and i can't control my anger, I also am kinda embarresed about asking my mom to call a thyrapist, I already did but i don't think she has yet. I really need to get her too. Sometimes I also close myself up, like i don't let anyone kno my feelings because i don't want to get hurt. I feel really bad if I do anything like read a qeuston or information about sex and then i feel guilty. Am I abnormal or do I have a menal problem like angry control problems or what?

Signed: I Get Angry At The Littlest Things

Dear I Get Angry At The Littlest Things,

Emotions can feel very out of control, especially when you are going through adolescence. FX wants to reassure you that you are not abnormal, you are just experiencing feelings that are overwhelming for you right now. Sending in this question and considering therapy are both excellent first steps in dealing with these feelings.

We are sorry to hear that your mother has not yet called a therapist for you - she may not have realized how these feelings are affecting you. You might try talking to her and suggesting that you make the phone call yourself.

If you live in northern NJ you can call Atlantic Behavioral Health's Access Center from at 888.247.1400 for help in finding one. Outside of this area, you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's website to locate services in your area.

While we understand that it is embarrassing to talk about this with your mother, we applaud you for doing so. In addition to talking your feelings over with a therapist, we recommend you read the answer to How Can I Help Control My Anger for ideas. In addition, you might check out the response to I.M Stressed for relaxation techniques. These may help when your anger feels out of control.

It is common for people to feel uncomfortable when reading information about sex. Our society sends very confusing messages about it. The truth is that it is normal and healthy to feel sexual and to have curiosity about sex. Every person - in fact, every living creature - is a sexual being. You would not be here without sex! And because sex can be such a complicated issue, one that affects your physical and emotional health, reading about it is an excellent way to stay informed and be safe. We hope that you will take this to heart and begin to feel more comfortable reading this kind of information - on this site and elsewhere - and even feel free to post a question if you have one.

You can discuss all these topics further with a therapist once you find one. We are glad you wrote, and glad to hear you are taking such brave steps towards feeling better.

Signed: TeenHealthFX