ANI
It’s not always easy to navigate anger — especially when it involves yelling, kicking, or slamming doors! But rest assured, anger is a normal, healthy human emotion. Like ANI, we all get angry sometimes. We might just show it differently depending on our age.
So, whether it’s toddler tantrums or emotional outbursts in teens and young adults, ANI and the team at Bend are here with evidence-based tools and resources to help process anger in healthier ways.
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It can be really difficult and even scary to navigate explosive, angry behavior, but understanding the emotion behind actions can be a huge help.
And, again, it’s important to remember anger is a normal, human emotion. Someone can feel anger for a bunch of different reasons.
They might feel:
- Powerless
- Disconnected
- Unheard
- Hurt
- Unable to verbalize what they want or need
- Anxious
- Boundaries were crossed
- Hungry, tired or exhausted
We all feel anger sometimes! That’s why we customized our content around what makes the most sense for you.
It can be really difficult and even scary to navigate explosive, angry behavior, but understanding the emotion behind actions can be a huge help.
And, again, it’s important to remember anger is a normal, human emotion. Someone can feel anger for a bunch of different reasons.
They might feel:
- Powerless
- Disconnected
- Unheard
- Hurt
- Unable to verbalize what they want or need
- Anxious
- Boundaries were crossed
- Hungry, tired or exhausted
We all feel anger sometimes! That’s why we customized our content around what makes the most sense for you.
How can we help?
Anger can look different for all of us. You may express anger in three different ways:
- Outward Aggression: looks like lashing out or slamming doors
- Inward Aggression: stuffing it down, shaming themselves
- Passive Aggression: making snide comments, eye rolls
Whatever your anger looks like, ANI gets it (!!!) and has some tools to help.
Get outside
We know it sounds simple, but chirping birds and fresh air on your face can really diffuse anger. Try playing basketball at the park, going on a nature walk, or just laying in the grass and watching a tree sway in the breeze.
Listen to music
Do you have a favorite playlist that makes you feel something? Maybe you try a pop dance mix or an emotional ballad to see what emotions they bring up. Be your own DJ by experimenting with how different types of music affect your mood.
Talk to someone you trust
If your parents are the source of your anger, who can you turn to for support? Is there a trusted friend, coach, or therapist that will listen and validate your feelings? Everyone gets angry and it’s helpful to know that you’re not stewing in your thoughts alone.
Journal it all out
Writing down our thoughts and feelings can be a powerful tool in observing and processing what we’re experiencing in the moment. And it can improve our mood and lower stress. This is your judgment-free zone to let it ALL out!
It can be overwhelming to know what to do when your child erupts with anger like a volcano! The truth is that young kids don’t yet know how to deal with their frustration or other uncomfortable feelings, so they can come out as those kicking and screaming tantrums.
We know it’s not easy to navigate, so here are some ways to help cope with your child’s anger:
Offer soothing words of comfort
Do your best to stay calm when your child is upset. Try not to give into your child's demands and praise them when they begin to calm themselves down.
Actively listen to your child
Let them know they are being heard by eliminating distractions, making eye contact, nodding, and using empathetic statements like, "I understand why you might feel that way." You can even repeat back what they say.
Get creative
Coloring can be a great activity to reduce stress. Show off your artistic skills and share a photo to social media tagging @hellobendhealth so we can see your creations.
Create a Calming Corner in your home
Find a calm, quiet spot in your home where your child can go to regulate when they feel overwhelmed. It can include comfort items like books, stuffies, twinkle lights, or anything else they choose.
Practice deep breathing together
Simple breath work is a clinically-proven way to relax the body and mind, decrease heart rate, and lower stress levels. You can show your child how to put their hand on their belly and chest and to take deep breaths in through the nose, hold, and then out slowly through their mouth.
If you could use some help navigating emotions, Bend is here to help. Everyone is different, but some kids who are experiencing anger could benefit from support for things like ADHD or anxiety and could use professional support. Reach out to us below to learn more.