Understanding Anger

Photo from Shutterstock

Thinking about 'Anger' - what do you see in this image?

Today, in a team meeting at work we discussed what the image above could mean when discussing Anger with young people and explain to them how anger grows. I hadn't ever heard of this concept and know there is lots online that can explain it more but thought I would share my thoughts/understanding of it here on my blog. 

Firstly, the tree in the picture above has some fruit growing from it, this fruit is seen as the outcome of being angry, the behaviours that people see and the outbursts that are presented when someone is feeling angry, such as coming across short or shutting down. 

Secondly, the tree has a trunk, this resembles the expression of someones anger, the thicker the trunk, maybe represents the louder or harder their expression might be, to yell, scream, shout or slam doors.

Lastly, the tree has roots, the roots grow deep into the ground and are unseen, but they are the most important, roots help sustain the tree's life, the roots represent underlying issues which need to be dealt with, the things that are causing someone to be angry. 

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When discussing this with young people, it would be great for them to draw their own anger, as a tree and ask them what they could do about the tree to remove it, because in real life, if they planned on getting rid of a tree [their anger], they may plan to cut the tree at the trunk, but, without dealing with the underlying causes or roots, the tree would grow again.

Some young people may want to start getting rid of it by picking off the fruits, one by one, but, this may help them to cope in the short-term. Reducing the outbursts or hiding the outward expressions of anger, but fruit naturally goes on to grow, when planted, so the anger is still present.

Others, may talk about dealing with the roots and when noticing the relevance, may want to discuss the underlying issues which is causing them to express anger in their situations or environments. This is a really useful approach and could potentially help young people open up to workers or their parents.

Hope it comes in handy in your work with young people and if you go online, you can definitely find more information about this "Anger Tree".

PS: I'd also say, anyone working with young people and parents, need to remember to keep calm in front of the children and young people you are engaging with. Take a look at my post about taking a two minute break to help you with this!