Depression: Can It Sometimes Look Like Anger in Children?

Anger is a powerful emotion that can be experienced by people of all ages. For young children, outbursts are often used as an expression of defiance or frustration. In certain cases, anger may also be a symptom of depression. If you are the parent of a child who is frequently angry, you may be at your wit’s end. It can be difficult to know whether to give in to their demands, placate them or allow for consequences. Not knowing what’s causing them to be angry can leave you not knowing what to do. 

Reason for Concern or Just a Phase? 

Anger can be complicated. It is a natural human emotion that we all feel, though there is a line between healthy anger and unhealthy anger. The trick is finding where that line is and knowing when it’s time to reach out for help. 

Your child will experience anger and frustration. They will act out from time to time. There is reason for concern if your child’s anger is frequent and intense. If it is impacting their ability to function at school and in social settings it is likely becoming unhealthy. This type of anger can be a sign of something more and/or it can lead to depression and or anxiety. 

Like most things, anger won’t necessarily improve if left unaddressed. In fact, it may get worse. Anger can be a symptom of something more, in fact it is often an indicator of depression. If you are concerned about your child’s anger it can be helpful to consult with their pediatrician as well as a child therapist. 

Can Therapy Help? 

Working with a skilled child counselor can make a world of difference. When you find a therapist that is right for your child they can help them to identify triggers to their anger and address the feelings that may accompany anger. This can be particularly helpful if your child is experiencing other symptoms of depression. 

Together, you and your child can learn new ways for your child to cope with intense feelings like anger. Learning and utilizing healthy coping skills can help your child in many different life areas. It can also be helpful for you to have an ally in this. Parenting can be overwhelming, you deserve support too. 

Finding the Right Therapist

Anger is natural, even for children. When anger becomes frequent and intense it can impact the way your child functions and interacts with others. You don’t have to wait for things to become out of control before seeking help. Counseling can help. 

Look no further than CCS in Sanford. Carolina Counseling Services contracts with skilled, licensed therapists who can help. Call today to get started.

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