Publications Elemental Truths, Lifehacker, Lifehacks, Faith Based Counseling, EZine
Education/Credentials BA, MA, DoCC
Past/Present Clients Education systems in WV, FL, and NC. Correctional institutions in FL. Mental Health institutions in Fl.Private school settings in TN. Commercial clients in TN. Numerous private clients.
Expert: Dr. Reg Adkins Date: 5/28/2008 Subject: Do I have a anger problem.
Question Hi, I am a 17 year old male. When someone dose something that makes me really angry (not just anything) I will yell and argue with that person, but I don't throw things or hit them. But then I will think about it off and on for two or three days (some of that will be just dwelling on it and sometimes I will get very mad thinking about it. After that I'm not really angry about it at all. But 99% of what will make me mad only dose so for a little while and I wont give it a second thought. I also have a lot of anxiety, and I don't do much during the day and I don't really think about what has made me mad if I am interacting with other people. I don't know if that makes a difference. Sorry if that is hard to read (its really hard for me to explain). Is this normal or do I have a anger problem. Thank You
Answer Hello Vic,
Thank you for allowing me to answer your question.
Because I don't know you and haven't assessed your underlying temperament I won't be able to speak specifically to your situation.
However, I can offer you some general observations concerning temperament and emotional health.
Keep in mind, most consider anger an expression of dominance and depression as an expression of submission. They are not the same emotion but, anger that you are unable to express in a healthy manner leads to feelings of impotence which can become depression.
Although, your narrative is brief, you indicate a consistent revisiting of the unexpressed or inappropriately expressed emotion. This is actually more descriptive of depressive behaviors rather than anger control issues.
You also say that you spend your days interacting with others and the anger gets pushed aside. Most people with Anger Disorder are unable to interact with others in the manner which you mention. Remember also the anger properly channeled can be functional.
Family history is also an important element to take into consideration. Are there incidents of the following?
Domestic violence
Child abusers
Road rage
Without any of these indicators I would suggest you undertake to monitor your anger. Chart the days on a scale of 1-10. One being you feel no anger, and ten being you are enraged. Then see if you can find commonalities in the days in which your anger rating is higher.
Without a full temperament analysis, I wouldn't want to go any further.
I write about human behavior on a regular basis at my site Elemental Truths. I invite you to visit there and register as a regular reader.
