Hi. So I guess I just need a starting place for getting help with this.
Every time I’m around my dad I feel like I want to die. He fills me up with so much rage and emptiness whenever he comes into the room. It’s been growing worse recently and I know it’s partially because I’m stuck at home, but he’s been around more too. He doesn’t go to work and doesn’t give me privacy. I know it’s my issue not his, but I don’t know how to fix it.
Help Yourself
- It must be very difficult feeling that angry all of the time without knowing what to do with it. Thank you for reaching out Teen Central to help.
- First, if you are feeling like you want to die, please seek help immediately. If it is something you’re feeling right now, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest Emergency Room and tell them what’s happening. Tell an adult, right away, and let them help you get the support you need. If you don’t feel you have someone to support you, please call 1-800-273-8255 or go to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or text HELLO to 741741 or go to http://www.crisistextline.org/. Any of these numbers or contacts will connect you with someone ready to help, anytime day or night.
- Have you tried to sit down with your dad to discuss how you’re feeling? Confronting problems with those who are involved with you is not an easy thing to do. Do you have someone you trust that you could practice how to express yourself in a way that encourages you both to work toward a solution and not blame?
- Have you thought about speaking to someone such as a counselor or a therapist about your anger? Sometimes having someone who is not directly involved in the situation is helpful, and he/she/they can help guide you in safe, healthy ways to manage your anger as well.
Consider This
- Sometimes anger masks other more sensitive emotions – like hurt, shame, fear, or worry to name a few. You mentioned privacy is an issue, and many families have had to learn to co-exist at home more often than usual due to the pandemic. Aside from talking with someone, you could consider journaling to get your feelings out and try to figure out what is the problem between you and your dad. Check out What’s New for a guide about Journaling to Cope with Stress.
- Have you tried visiting some of the things we have to offer on the “TOOLS” tab of our website? There are many options to choose from, including information and activities on stress relief, mood trackers and support plans. You may find something here to help you collect your thoughts or plan a way to work through this successfully with your dad.
- In our “WHAT’S NEW” tab, we’ve added blogs about stress management, dealing with Co-Vid 19 and coping skills. You may also find some ideas in here that could help you.
- Have you tried to find any interests that might take you out of the house for a bit? Are you interested in any athletic, clubs, outdoors activities that you could participate in that would help you socialize with others your age and allow you some time for yourself? If you can’t socialize right now, what options do you have that you can do on your own? Hiking, swimming, running/jogging, painting, etc. are all possible options for a change of scenery and collecting your thoughts.
