Anger

ANGRY

Anger is a powerful emotion that can sometimes overwhelm the way you feel and think. When something bad happens, it is very common to feel angry, angry that it has happened, angry because your life has changed, angry at yourself, the doctors or even at your parent who is ill. It's important to understand what makes you angry and find ways to deal with it. Explore the words in the clouds and see if any describes the way you feel.

PROVOKED

"How could they?"

The wrong expression, a bad joke, a cross word… lots of things can feel like a provocation when you're already upset and angry. But it's important to remember that they're probably all misunderstandings. Try to separate what people say from what they actually mean.

INFLAMED

"It's like a red rag to a bull"

Try to be patient with people who don't understand what you're going through. The chances are they don't mean to be hurtful or tactless. People are usually very uncertain about what to say or what to do to help and sometimes it can come out the wrong way. They will be very relieved if you tell them how they can help.

FRUSTRATED

"Leave me alone"

Why is this happening to me? As a teenager you want to have a carefree life and do your own things. You might be very frustrated that you can't have the life your friends have, lots of plans are changing all the time and there are many things you can't do just now. Share your thoughts although your frustration might not go away.

RESENTFUL

"It's their fault"

When you're upset and worried, it's hard to accept things that you don't agree with, especially if they seem to make things worse. But rather than harbour these bad feelings, tell the people involved - calmly and honestly. Listen to their explanations and then ask yourself if you were in their position, would you really do anything different? Remember it's unfair to blame someone for things that are not their fault.

VIOLENT

"I feel like exploding"

Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but this is not about someone else as right now it's happening in your family. You have a right to feel angry but being violent is not ok and does not make you or anyone else feel better. So rather than lash out at the world, try to channel your anger into something positive like a sport or activity.

ANNOYED

"I can't stand it"

When a parent has cancer, emotions are heightened and slight irritations can quickly become major arguments. The next time you feel like this, stop and ask yourself if you always felt so strongly - the chances are you didn't. So count to ten and think about what's really upsetting you.

FURIOUS

"It burns inside me all the time"

Yes, it is truly awful and very unfair that you have to cope with all this going on in your life. But it won't help anyone if these feelings take you over. So talk about your emotions, share your thoughts and find constructive ways to get rid of all that pent up steam.

TIPS ON COPING