Young Carers
Anger is a normal, healthy emotion, which we all feel sometimes. If you’re caring for someone, you might feel angry because you don’t have the time to do things you enjoy or spend time with friends. Or maybe it feels like you have too much responsibility, or your life has been put on hold.
There are lots of reasons why you might feel angry. The charity, YoungMinds, explains that people may get angry when they
We might also feel angry without really understanding why, and that’s ok – as long as we find a way to express our feelings safely.
Everyone has their own triggers for anger, and the things that make you feel angry might not make someone else feel angry.
Anger can affect you in lots of different ways. You might tense up and clench your teeth. Your heart might start racing or your stomach might churn. You might clench your fists or start shaking or sweating. Or maybe you just feel a little irritated or upset.
When you’re angry, it can be difficult to think things through or talk about what’s bothering you. If you’re feeling angry all the time, it can have a big effect on you and on the people around you. Sometimes, it can be difficult to recognise how angry you are, and what effect it is having. This might be because you have lots of things going on in your life.
Anger can start to become a problem when you express it through unhelpful or destructive behaviour – either towards yourself or other people. If you find yourself doing these sorts of things, it might be a sign that you need some help in learning how to manage your anger:
Aggressive behaviour – towards other people or yourself – can cause you more problems. It’s important to stand up for what’s right, but without being aggressive or intimidating to other people. The first step in coping with your anger is to learn to recognise it when it’s happening. Understanding your anger and thinking about how you deal with it won’t get rid of it, but it will help you learn how to manage it – and make you happier.
Here are some things that the charity, Mind, suggests to help you manage your anger in the moment:
Young Scot has put together a helpful list of organisations you can contact if you feel you need support for your mental health. You can also talk to your GP or a trusted family member or friend, or phone a free helpline:
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