According to the U.S. Secret Service, the odds of a high school student being injured or threatened with a weapon were about one in 14, and the odds of a teen being in a physical fight were one in seven. Violent anger was led by a strong feeling of frustration, displeasure, or hostility by the person who lashed out. People get angry either from getting mistaken for situations or being mistreated by someone else.
According to pbs.org, anger and frustration is a warning signal to let the person know that something is wrong. However anyone that acts upon this kind of reaction negatively can cause bad consequences. Relationships with family, friends, lovers, or people around them can all be affected.
Anger can be portrayed differently through gender, because males usually become more aggressive, while females express it verbally or in some cases suppress it. People’s interactions with their surroundings can play a huge part in understanding how they deal with anger according to American Psychological Association (APA).
Ms.Paplow, guidance counselor said, “If people grew up seeing people curse or yell aggressively, they aren’t taught property in knowing how to express their anger. Personality also played a role because some teenagers are more sensitive than others.Teens with violent anger issue, their friends should leave them alone so they can calm down. It’s smart to always think before you act.”
Komal Ashrafi, 7th grader said, “I think [the] environment affects how you display your anger because I know someone that is involved in a bad surrounding and expresses their anger violently, unlike people that’s not part of that environment are more civilized in expressing their feelings.”
Most adults have bad perceptions when feelings like anger arise. However, it’s neither bad or good. When people get angry, they feel more motivated to solve any issue that they experience. In most cases the person either moves on or takes action to confront the problem in order to change the current circumstance.
Bianca Rosemburt, junior said, “When I get angry I would go to that person who made me feel that way and confront them. I don’t like holding that feelings in me, so I try to get rid of it as soon as possible. But sometime you can’t change the person so it’s important to learn how to move on.”
According to apa.org, what makes anger seen as a negative emotion is people’s unhealthy behavior caused by it. Teenage boys often show anger physically which could be very dangerous to both parties. Girls tend to hold their grudges and gossip about the person they are mad at. These actions are inappropriate because someone always get hurts emotionally and physically.
Mr. Lumetta, guidance counselor said, “It’s important to know how to understand how to channel your anger. Anger is powerful, and if it’s not channeled, it can destroy a person. If you tried to hold it in it can cause physical problems as well as great deal of mental stress. And if the dam breaks then it’s very possible to do physical damage to yourself and others.”
There are ways to deal with anger successfully to avoid causing harm on other people by communicating to oneself effectively. According to apa.org, when a person learns to use logic against what anger tells them, they might start saying things like, ‘I might not be able to accomplish this right now but, I can still try’ instead of ‘I can never do this!’ Reminding oneself to use logic, one can create a more balanced perspective which can defeat anger. People should always challenge their negative thoughts because it can be irrational or inaccurate.
It’s important to understand there is help available for those that find difficulties in managing their anger and violent behavior. If anyone needs help with controlling their anger, contact the National Mental Health Association Hot line toll-free at 1-800-969-6642 or the National institution of Mental Health at 1-888-269-4389. It’s never too late to reach for help and achieve a more healthier lifestyle.
Sidebar: Tactics for anger management
1. Count to 10, while exhaling and inhaling slowly
2. Listen to calming music
3. Practice relaxation technique
4.Watch a funny movie
5. Write on a journal