Dad has anger problems

[Angela2021]

My dad has always had anger problems since I was a child - he gets stressed easily, very frustrated, emotionally and physically lashes out on everyone in the house. Sometimes I feel he can’t control it and other times I feel like he does purposefully. I should also mention that he has had a heart bypass surgery and has high blood pressure (he’s on medication for that) and diabetes (also on medication). 

I’m not sure what to do, I know normal anger treatments won’t work on him so I thought it would be best for him to see a doctor and hopefully they can prescribe him some medication or behavioural therapy. I’m not even sure if there is a  medication for anger problems. 

divorce is the last thing my mum can do unfortunately and I’m scared he’ll lash out on her if she suggests it and I’m scared he’ll lash out on me if I suggest him to go to a doctor.

does anyone have some advice I guess?

much appreciated, thank you 

[Sophie_M]

Hi Angela2021

Welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing your story with us here. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for support. We're so sorry to hear about what you're going through; it sounds like it has been a tough time.. We hope we can alleviate some of your stress by being here for you and supporting your mental health journey throughout what sounds like a very difficult time for you. 

What a difficult space you find yourself in - we'd really love to offer you an extra listening ear at any time of the day or night - please don't hesitate to call us on our phone support line (1300 22 4636), or visit us via our online webchat service here ... We're available 24/7. Kids Helpline is another fantastic service that offers counselling and support to young adults up to 25 years old. You can contact them here at 1800 55 1800 or on their webchat here - also availalbe 24/7.

The best support line for you to go to for domestic violence support though, would be 1800RESPECT . Also, please don't ever hesitate to call 000 either (should you, or anyone else in your household be at risk).

Whilst we can't offer you legal or specific safety advice here, we defintely want to support your mental health by being here for you.

Please know that you've come to a safe, non-judgmental space to talk things through, and our online forum community is here to offer as much support, advice (on mental health matters) and conversation as you need. Welcome to our supportive family Angela2021 - we hope that you will find some comfort here on the forums.

Kind regards, 

Sophie M

[Fern42]

Hi Angela2021, 

I am sorry to hear you and your family are going through this, I can understand how difficult it would be to attempt to come to a solution with this situation. Seeing a GP is definitely the right starting point to look for advice on how to manage his behaviour. However, only if you feel this would be safe to do so for you and your family.  As far as I am aware, there are definitely medications out there that help manage behavioural issues and calm an individual's nervous system.

When you can't change your environment it may be important to make sure you are taking some time to care for yourself during this stressful time, whether that's getting out in the sunlight for a walk or watching your favourite movie on repeat. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, we are here anytime.