Constant Anger And Rage Outbursts....normal???

I'm 18 years old, and ever since i can remember, I've always been angry. And when i get mad, it gets really ugly. Some days go by without much. However the days that I loose it....scare me because they can happen at anytime. When I get mad I quickly,and easily loose control of myself and my actions to the point of not caring what happens. My heart starts racing, I scream very loud, clench my fists, sweat, swear, curse, rant & rave, throw things, and punch things. (on a really bad day)  When my parents try and calm me down, it only makes me more angry. Just the other day my mother said something that I considered offensive to me and I began to loose it. She wouldn't stop despite my warnings to her that i was going to loose it, and I then started to "see red". Things escalated to the point where I put my fist straight through the wall. She says it's just me taking a temper tantrum, to put it bluntly. However, I really do try to hold it down, but it just boils over and there's no stopping it. Is this type of anger normal or should I be concerned at all??? Any suggestions??? thanks

[rockymtnmom]

Do you drive? I understand exactly how you feel. I get really angry too and I feel tense, almost like there is a pressure inside me that is about to explode. I tend to yell when I feel this way, as well as slam doors. The reason I asked if you drive is because, for me, driving is one of the most effective ways to stop this feeling in it's tracks. I get in my car, turn the music up LOUD and just drive for a while. Walking with an mp3 player can help as well. I put on really up tempo rock music and walk as fast as I can. I think the feeling is caused by an overflow of adrenaline. If you get away from the source of frustration for a while the adrenaline ebbs and you feel more centered.

I have kids so if no other adult is here to watch them I can't always "get out" but when I do I notice it is a much faster and more complete. Best of luck, I hate feeling that way.

[JMarshall233]

yes I do drive but i try not to when i get really angry. I tend to really get out of control when something as simple as getting stuck behind a slow driver occurs or hitting a red light. I know what you mean though, and it does sometimes help when I'm not too enraged. Thanks for the suggestion!

[iam1butterfly]

I have an ex-boyfriend who has frequent bouts of anger/ rage and, your reactions sound a lot like his. For the most part, he's a very frustrated, unhappy man who gets bored easily. And, it's "people" that seem to annoy him the most... at least, this is what he's told me and I has no reason to doubt him. Anyway, I noticed that what seemed to relax him was going somewhere where there was open space and few people... like the beach during the mid-week or the mountains on non-holiday weekends. We live in Southern California so this is rather easy to do. Perhaps, you're in the position or location to do something similar? Also, I took him to museums and art galleries (peaceful, quiet environments with few people and lots of creative, visual stimulation). That seemed to have a calming effect on him as well. As far as your questions regarding "anger" and whether or not you "should be... concerned," left unchecked... any behavior that is negative and counter-productive should be of great concern. Having been on the recieving end of uncontrolled anger and rage, I've witnessed what you're enduring and wish that I understood it better. But, I know for a fact that when that festering rage within trickles out, it has the potential to destroy even the most loving relationship!

[JMarshall233]

Thanks a lot for the advice. My girlfriend constantly worries about me and tries to be a voice of reason for me. (God knows it hasn't been easy for her) She too has recommended me getting out to a quiet, relaxing place to recharge, however I didn't give it all too much thought up until now. I definitely will try that and see what happens. Your ex definitely sounds like me in more than a few ways, so if it seemed to help him, I'm all for it. Thanks again