I am 17 years old and my life is falling apart because I am angry all the time.

I am 17 years old and my life is falling apart because I am angry all the time.

My parents got divorced three years ago and I lived with my mother until the beginning of this year.

I have moved in with my father and had to start at a new school. I have not made any friends and I hate everything about the school.

I have tried to control and manage my anger, but it does not seem to help. I explode at people all the time.

It is bad enough at home with my dad but when I exploded at a teacher last week I was sent to the principal, who called in my parents. They say I am troubled and a problem pupil who has to go for therapy.

I just hate my life and everyone in it. I think about suicide every day. Please give me advice and tell me how to change my life and be happy, at least some of the time.

Miserable, Midrand

Have you thought about why you are angry? Did it start when your parents got divorced or were these feelings inside you before that happened?

If you can pin your anger to one particular thing it will be easier to avoid that thing and to stay in control.

If you can't put your finger on exactly what makes you boil, try to change the way you manage your feelings.

Instead of exploding, hold your breath and walk away until you are in control. I say hold your breath because that way you can't open your mouth to say anything.

Thinking about suicide is silly and will only hurt those who love you. Perhaps it will help you to see things differently if you sit down and write a list of all the good things in your life.

You are fed, you are loved, you are being educated at a good school, you are young and you have your future ahead of you.

Now, chin up and stop feeling sorry for yourself.