managing anger

Managing Parent Anger

Anger is a common emotion during times of stress or uncertainty. Parents often experience a range of emotions after their teen’s suicidal behavior. Many feel anger at themselves and/or their teen.  When you get angry, try to model healthy anger expression for your teen. Take some deep breaths or take a break from the situation if you need to calm down. Put a delay between the angry feeling and the action or response that you are planning.  When you do lose your cool, apologize to your teen and talk with them about how you would have liked to have handled the situation differently. Click the boxes below for more tips on how to manage anger.

Managing Teen Anger

It is also normal for teens to feel angry at times, too. However, extended periods of irritability or frequent, intense anger can be a sign that your teen is really struggling. In fact, irritability, anger, and hostility can be a symptom of depression. It’s important to validate your teen’s feelings by listening and helping them find ways to safely and effectively deal with their feelings. Parents can help their teens learn to manage their anger by encouraging safe ways to release or express anger, such as exercising, drawing, listening to music, or simply taking a few minutes to “cool off.” Parents also need to set limits and discuss the consequences if their teen acts out their anger in inappropriate or harmful ways.