Is there a reason why I've become so confrontational lately?

Question

I'm 17, and I'm usually a really, really-- almost extraordinarily nice and friendly guy.
The problem is, I've been having these weird, uncontrollable mood swings the past few weeks. I've gotten into fights with practically everyone I know. I feel that I have been "right" in all of these confrontations, but I feel much more sensitive and "ready" to get into arguments than I usually am. Up until a few weeks ago, I avoided confrontation. I would even admit that I was wrong just to get out of a fight. Now, it seems as though I'm the one provoking all of these fights.
I've said stuff that I couldn't have imagined saying previously. I don't know, I've even had people ask me why I've been getting into some many arguments lately. They never get physical, but they're getting mentally brutal.
Is there a reason for this? Is it a teenager thing? Is it a hormone-imbalance, or something? Is this normal?
Can someone help me? Thanks.

Answer 1

could be several things...maybe hormonal, maybe you are fed up and decided you are not taking any crap from anyone ! Maybe there is something sub consciously bothering you that you are acting out on. Maybe you should speak with a professional and tell them everything you have told us here .

Answer 2

It's probably normal. There are several things you've not said; Is your life in limbo right now, uncertain of where you're going? Are you tired of being the one people go to and now you feel, when you're life is at a crossroads, that nobody wants to be there for you?

There's a host of reasons why you're like this right now, probably. Just knowing that you're doing it will allow you to rein it in, though. When you feel as if someone is begging to be "lit up" by you and your sharp tongue, step back (mentally and physically, if possible), explain to the person now is not a good time for this conversation and ask if the two of you might speak later when you've calmed a bit. Explain, if it is true, that this person with whom you're speaking is not responsible for your feelings, but right now, you've got to step away and think or be alone for a moment.

You're at an age where the roads are all diverging as to what your future holds. It's stressful under any condition since you can only see the beginning of all of these roads and nobody can tell you where they lead.

If, after several months, you haven't learned to rein the feelings in, you may want to consult a counselor of some type. It doesn't have to be a shrink, but it could just be someone who you believe understands you best and whose life is stable enough that they can be a positive influence on you.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

It could be hormones, you're still adjusting to the transition between boy and man, and puberty isnt over yet :P But take a look at your life and see if there are more stressors in your life right now, school, home, work, girlfriend issues, confusion about the future cuz you're almost done highschool...17 is a hard age, you're too young to be an adult, too old to be a child. You could just be feeling a lot of frustration due to things you aren't realizing are causing you stress. You could also be depressed, have you found yourself lacking energy, not wanting to do things like you normally would, avoiding people or situations? If so, talk to your doc about depression and see what he thinks. Try to identify any stressors, big or small in your life right now that could be building up in your unconcious that are causing you to act out. Good luck, I hope you work things out soon.

Answer 4

This is a teenager thing, or hormones, or a combination of both. Remember (and I know its hard, when your in the middle of it), but you are on your journey to become the person you want to be. If you have been "right" in your confrontations, and have just been letting stuff slide for a long time, at some point you have to clear all that out. Part of growing up is learning how to assert yourself in an appropriate way, and also challenging the status quo. As long as your doing it in an appropriate way, don't worry. And mental turmoil comes with the territory as a grown up.

Answer 5

i think it's because you AVOIDED confrontations that now you were on overload and just finally was like forget about it. Try to control it, but DON"T avoid the confrontation. Esp. if you ARE right. But don't be like a walking shot gun ready to go off. Take the time to really listen and look at the situtation before you go off. It's perfectly normal so don't worry. I used to be like that until i got a bit older and was like i'm not going to take this anymore. Especially if i didn't deserve it.

how is your self confidence?

Answer 6

I find myself occasionally becoming beligerant and more confrontational. Why I do it is simple, something sets me off then going off becomes a habit. When someone calls it to my attention, I am then able to stop but I usually don't even know I'm doing it.

You know you're doing it so just try to take control of yourself and stop. When you feel yourself ready to blow, just do the old count to 10 trick and think of another way to respond. Before long, being nice will be your habit instead of blowing up.

Answer 7

It could very well be a hormone thing: 17 is a rough age for a young man. A better bet would be for you to talk with a counsellor who can help you dig out any underlying problems.

Good luck!

Answer 8

At 17 the hormonal thing should be evening out a bit. I think you should see a counselor. It sounds like things are going on in your life you may not have addressed.

Good luck to you!

Answer 9

Hormones luv...go talk to a doctor, or someone you trust & see if there is a way to work thru it. My advice would be hard physical excercise...it can't hurt if you are able, & it gives the adrenalin a place to go. Remember to stay hydrated if you do excercise hard.

Answer 10

Maybe it's just that you've bottled up your emotions in the past. In the the past, you were calm, and when someone got you mad, you didn't do anything about it; you just took it, and now, it's all coming out as a form of anger. I do that too, and I'm seventeen.