Anger / Question
Published: March 25, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
i know i have an anger problem. i have grown up dealing with it.i have seen some councelors when i was younger. and i recently took a class called agression replacement training. it helped me learn some social skils that are good with the stresses of daily life. even still i have outbursts every now and then. that could be normal for a 15 year old male like myself but my outburts seem a little extreme. for example. at a wrestling tournament i could have easily taken 1st place in my weight class. but i lost to a guy i had beat before and after the match i punched a door and broke my hand. because of this my hand won't ever be the same. should i talk to counselors or learn from my mistakes and continue on with life like i have been. which actually hasn't been bad i just wanted to know if there was anything myself or anyone could do to help with outbursts like these.
Signed: Anger Problem - Anything To Control Outbursts
Dear Anger Problem - Anything To Control Outbursts,
FX is glad that you are concerned with your ability to manage your anger and that you are re-evaluating your need for more help. FX believes that more help and counseling would be a good idea for your continued success at dealing with your anger.
Aggression replacement training and seeing a counselor are good starts, but in order to deal with this problem you need to have a long-term commitment. Just attending a class or seeing a therapist cannot solve this, you will have to make a conscious effort to use the techniques that you have learned to deal with problems when they come up. Learning from your mistakes is an important way to make sure that you do not repeat them, but you may not be able to do this alone. Recognizing the negative consequences of your behavior, like your injured hand, is a great first step. Getting help soon will make it easier for you to alter your behavior so that you can become a happy, successful adult. Return to your therapist or call your local hospital for a referral.
If you live in northern NJ and would like to find a new therapist call the Access Center for Behavioral Health at (888) 247-1400.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
One out of every six American women have been the victims of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. A total of 17.7 million women have been victims of these crimes. 
