How To Control Your Anger

Judging by the number of on-campus fights so far this month, many Eastside students need help learning to control their anger. They aren’t alone.

According to a recent study by the National Institute of Health, more than 16 million Americans suffer from Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Basically, they get angry and don’t know how to handle it.

People around the globe are trying to change that. Psychiatrists prescribe drugs or advise meditation to suppress the feeling of anger. Experts teach classes about ways to control one’s anger.

Learning to control your anger can be especially important for teens, especially since the hormones responsible for puberty tend to cause anger as well. And, whether you’re at school or at home, if you get mad fast and don’t know how to handle it, then you could end up in a lot of trouble.

It’s better if you can find ways to control your anger rather than letting it control you. Otherwise, you might get mad and do something you will regret later on.

Working out seems to help some teens release their built-up anger. It’s safe, doesn’t harm anyone, and is good for your health. Other teens prefer yoga, talking to friends, or doing a hobby.

Adrian is a senior here at Eastside. He has a different strategy. “I suppress my anger by listening to music, isolating myself, and talking to my friends,” he says.

Bryan, another EHS senior, sometimes needs to isolate himself as well. “I isolate myself if I have to,” he says. “I try to ignore the negative thoughts and just focus on something positive.”