ANGRY AND NEGATIVE

Dear Jellybean,

Up until just recently I'd been feeling constantly down even though a lot of the time I didn't know why. Although the way I felt shared many of the symptoms of depression, I've put it behind me as I think I'm beginning to over-come it. The problem now is anger. It all starts when my mind is left inactive and I start to think about things and then I become angry about issues in my life and matters that I have no control over. I think I'm telling myself that the problems are worse than they really are but I'm believing all of it. I've tried talking to my friends but they say 'I don't know what you have to be angry about because we havent done anything wrong' even though they have but are refusing to see things from a perspective other than their own. My parents don't take me too seriously about these things because I'm a teenager and it's what we all go through. All I want to know is how I can stop myself from thinking these negative thoughts just because I'm bored. It seems like the harder I try not to think about these things the more they try to attack me. I would really appreciate your help.

Dear Writer,

Anger is a common emotion - and can actually be healthy. But too much anger, like what you're experiencing, can make a person feel frustrated and sad. Check out the article on this site about how to Control Your Anger (click here) for some tips.

If you find that your negative thoughts are spinning out of control, or feel unable to deal with this issue on your own, then please reach out for help. You can feel happier, and you don't have to do it alone! Start on the Myjellybean.com Hotlines page, where you can get phone numbers for free teen hotlines. The experts at these places can help you put your issues in perspective and talk one-on-one with you, and even help you to find support in your community. The calls are totally free and they don't show up on the phone bill. Visit the Myjellybean.com Hotlines page for phone numbers.