Anger
Hello everyone I wanted to come on and talk about something I haven’t really noticed before. It’s that when my mum drinks she seems to get really angry about small things that don’t really matter like if I was to say something that was a joke then she would take it personally because today me and my dad were joking about then she just randomly started shouting at us and walked away just wanted to know if this has happened to other people because it has happend quite a few times. Sorry if that didn’t make sense. Bye everyone
Hi Penelopy,
Yes alcohol use can lead to sudden mood changes, it’s very common when people are drinking for their mood to suddenly change and they may become angry over things that wouldn’t bother them when they are sober or not drinking. It can feel hurtful when your parent suddenly gets angry with you. Please remember that it’s not your fault, you didn’t cause it, and if you feel worried or afraid then try to speak to someone you can trust about this or you can always call the Nacoa helpline too. I’m so glad you posted here for support. Take good care of yourself and come back anytime.
Hi Penelope, alcohol definitely makes some people more angry and bad tempered. It takes away normal filters of politeness. Sorry you have to experience this from your Mum, it's never your fault. I always felt we had to walk on eggshells around my Dad to avoid him losing his temper and lashing out. Take care of yourself. X
Hi Penelope,
Thank you so much for sharing here. I’m so glad that you did. This does make sense. You’re not alone, truly, and there are others here who will understand. How are you feeling from noticing this in mum? It sounds really difficult to deal with.
It’s not uncommon for alcohol to heighten people’s emotions which can make them more angry or respond more reactively to what they’re feeling too. It can feel really unpredictable to be around someone who’s been drinking.
It’s so important that you know this isn’t your fault. You don’t deserve to be spoken to that way and this isn’t the result of something you’re doing. Often at Nacoa we refer to something called ‘The Six C’s’, you may have heard of them already!
I didn’t cause it
I can’t control it
I can’t cure it
I can take care of myself
I can communicate my feelings
I can make healthy choices
You’re doing something brave and wonderful in reaching our here. Do you have anyone else you’re able with talk too about how things feel sometimes? A teacher or a trusted adult? Sharing your feelings is important and can help you to feel less alone.
Sometimes when we’re keeping a thought like this inside of ourselves it can start to feel very big and confusing. Letting it out it so important, often in sharing it we can realise we are making much more sense than we first realised and someone else might be able to understand too. Always feel free to write out your thoughts here, Penelope, whether you think they make sense in the moment or not!
Best Wishes,
Listener