Standing with You: Anger Awareness Week

Why this week is so important

There are three key reasons Anger Awareness Week demands attention:

1. December is a high-stress period

From financial pressures, busy schedules, family gatherings to time off work—December often brings more stress than usual. BAAM highlights that this timing is intentional “in the run up to Christmas – one of the most stressful times of the year”.
Stress and unresolved tension are significant triggers for anger.

2. Anger isn’t just “bad behaviour”

Anger is a natural emotion. It becomes a problem when it’s suppressed for too long, expressed in destructive ways, or when underlying issues are ignored. According to the Civil Service blog, “People often internalise anger because it’s difficult to communicate emotions and resolve conflict with others.”
Recognising the signs of unmanaged anger helps us act early rather than wait for an outburst or breakdown.

3. Anger affects young people too

Data from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) shows that thousands of children and young people are receiving counselling for anger issues—this suggests we need to normalise talking about anger and support earlier.
As a youth-focused counselling service, YPI knows that young people often experience frustration, irritability or anger but may not have tools or safe spaces to explore them.