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If you need urgent help, please call 111 - then NHS non-emergency number. They have a specialist mental health nurse who can support adults and young people.

In a life threatening emergency call 999

Home » Self Help » Emotions and Feelings » Anger in children and young people

Anger in children and young people

Getting angry is part of being human.

We all do it and, just like stress, a little bit of it can be good for us.

Anger can defend you from danger, help get an important point across, or motivate you to make a change.

Anger isn’t good if it harms you or the people around you. If you’re shouting, throwing stuff, hurting others (or yourself) then that’s harmful behaviour. Anger can contribute to mental health problems, and make existing problems worse.

Top tips on dealing with anger

  • Look inside yourself – knot in your stomach? Heart beating fast? Clenching your jaw? Knowing the early warning signs of anger means you can do something about it
  • Walk away – take yourself out of the situation you are in and walk away
  • Distract yourself – calming music, exercise, or doodling are all good ways to distract yourself from your thoughts. You could even try a cold shower!
  • Safe energy – don’t damage your things, hurt yourself or others. Get rid of some energy by thumping a pillow instead, or tearing up a magazine
  • Anywhere but here – where is your happy place? What do you like about it? Close your eyes and imagine you’re there

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If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health help, please call 111 – the NHS non-emergency number. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free from any phone. They have specialist mental health nurses who can support adults and young people.

In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.