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Why is My Teenager So Mad?

What is the underlying reason my teenager is so angry? The answer to this question begins with another question… how is the anger serving the child?

  1. PROTECTIVE FACTORS: a child’s anger may serve as protection from something. It may be a learned behavior that evolves out of past experiences. What do you think your angry teenager is getting out of being angry?
  2. ANXIETY presented as anger: sometimes what looks like anger is actually worry or nervousness. Lashing out could be a call for help.
  3. UNDIAGNOSED CONDITIONS: It could be time for a medical appointment. Consult your primary care physician if your child’s behavior concerns you.
  4. GROWING PAINS: being a teenager is hard and it could be that being angry is just part of growing up. Peer issues, school work, parents’ expectations can all be factors in the stress level of angry teens.
  5. DEPRESSION: sometimes sadness can look like anger. It’s important not to forget the underlying issues that may be causing your child to act angry. Many emotions can present themselves in unexpected ways. It is good not to confuse the two. This way, you can address the cause appropriately.

*Again, if your child’s behavior concerns you, seek professional advice from your pediatrician. Please do not substitute these ideas for a full medical evaluation by your child’s doctor.

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About the author

With a mother who taught alternative learning students and a father who was an internal medicine physician, Sasha Keawe learned the importance of preventive care from an early age and developed a passion for working with kids facing challenges. After graduating from the University of California at Santa Cruz with a major in psychology and legal studies, she returned to Hawaii to attend UH Manoa, where she earned a Master’s degree in Social Work.