[mattdadd]

Ever since I was around ten years old, I've gotten sudden urges to punch, hit, or kick my peers. Not because I was provoked in any way but because I felt like it. When I turned 13, I promised myself that I would never act violently towards anyone no matter what (because it had caused my peers to think badly of me). I've broken that promise a few times but I've kept myself under control for the most part. However, since about last year, I've found it more difficult. Just by looking at someone, I get the urge to swing at them. And I'll do it but purposely miss their face by about a centimetre so they're not actually hurt. I've even punched toward my pet (a small dog) and my step-sister (a six-year-old). My sister (13 years old) has gotten so used to it that she doesn't even react anymore.
I'm wondering if anyone has an idea what might cause these urges. Though I do feel violent when I'm angry, these urges are completely unrelated to anger.

[RubyRae]

Hi there.

While I'm not sure what might cause your urges I am sure you should seek professional help with this before you seriously injure someone.

Are you in therapy?

[mattdadd]

Originally Posted by RubyRae

Hi there.

While I'm not sure what might cause your urges I am sure you should seek professional help with this before you seriously injure someone.

Are you in therapy?

I am but it's for a different reason.

[*Laurie*]

Have you discussed your urge to punch someone with your therapist?

[mattdadd]

Originally Posted by *Laurie*

Have you discussed your urge to punch someone with your therapist?

No. I was planning on bringing it up with my therapist but I haven't seen them yet this year.

[mote.of.soul]

Maybe it's just a habit you've gotten into, like an addiction of sorts. Because it makes you feel good perhaps, and now it's grown into a compulsion. Are you in your late teens mattdadd? Bring it up with your therapist and say you want to break this compulsion. They'll help you.

[mattdadd]

Originally Posted by mote.of.soul

Maybe it's just a habit you've gotten into, like an addiction of sorts. Because it makes you feel good perhaps, and now it's grown into a compulsion. Are you in your late teens mattdadd? Bring it up with your therapist and say you want to break this compulsion. They'll help you.

Yes, I'm around 17. Thank you for giving me your take on things. I'll be sure to bring it up with my therapist when I next see them.

[mote.of.soul]

Originally Posted by mattdadd

Yes, I'm around 17. Thank you for giving me your take on things. I'll be sure to bring it up with my therapist when I next see them.

Very welcome and good on you. Stay focused and you will overcome this I'm sure.

[Steiger]

Originally Posted by mattdadd

Ever since I was around ten years old, I've gotten sudden urges to punch, hit, or kick my peers. Not because I was provoked in any way but because I felt like it. When I turned 13, I promised myself that I would never act violently towards anyone no matter what (because it had caused my peers to think badly of me). I've broken that promise a few times but I've kept myself under control for the most part. However, since about last year, I've found it more difficult. Just by looking at someone, I get the urge to swing at them. And I'll do it but purposely miss their face by about a centimetre so they're not actually hurt. I've even punched toward my pet (a small dog) and my step-sister (a six-year-old). My sister (13 years old) has gotten so used to it that she doesn't even react anymore.
I'm wondering if anyone has an idea what might cause these urges. Though I do feel violent when I'm angry, these urges are completely unrelated to anger.

Just out of curiosity, have you ever been smashed in the face?

[mattdadd]

Originally Posted by Steiger

Just out of curiosity, have you ever been smashed in the face?

If you`re asking whether I`ve been punched in the face, then yes, I have.

[Steiger]

You don't want to hear about my urges. Get a hold of yourself.

[mattdadd]

Originally Posted by Steiger

You don't want to hear about my urges. Get a hold of yourself.

What? Are you trying to one-up me or something? I'm here to ask if anyone knows what might cause me to feel the way I do. Not to be told that someone out there has worse urges and to "get a hold of" myself. This isn't a competition. I just want help.

[Steiger]

It simply means control yourself. The only purpose to physically strike someone is to cause damage. It's called anger, that is the only cause. Unless of course you are just simply spastic and suffer from random convulsions that cause you to flail about uncontrollably, but that is an entirely different story. No, I'm not trying to one up you fool, I'm simply stating that we all have urges to do things for all manner of reasons. If your pre-frontal cortex responsible for higher executive functioning is impaired, then you will experience difficulty with impulse control. There is nothing anyone can do for that. That's why people fly off the handle and do bad things. It's a matter of impulse control.

[mote.of.soul]

Originally Posted by Steiger

It simply means control yourself. The only purpose to physically strike someone is to cause damage. It's called anger, that is the only cause. Unless of course you are just simply spastic and suffer from random convulsions that cause you to flail about uncontrollably, but that is an entirely different story. No, I'm not trying to one up you fool, I'm simply stating that we all have urges to do things for all manner of reasons. If your pre-frontal cortex responsible for higher executive functioning is impaired, then you will experience difficulty with impulse control. There is nothing anyone can do for that. That's why people fly off the handle and do bad things. It's a matter of impulse control.

Steiger, your attitude is attacking him and trying sound intimidating when he's just reaching out for help. Be more respectful please, he's a teenager. He hasn't physically struck anybody.

[Steiger]

I'm simply outlining potential causes for the behavior and what I see as the only appropriate responses. My sincere apologies for coming off in an offensive manner if that is how it is perceived. I will proceed with a "softer" tongue.

[rjdb]

My guess is that you have a lot of anger towards the world, which stems from unresolved depression. I know from experience.

[mattdadd]

Originally Posted by Steiger

It simply means control yourself. The only purpose to physically strike someone is to cause damage. It's called anger, that is the only cause. Unless of course you are just simply spastic and suffer from random convulsions that cause you to flail about uncontrollably, but that is an entirely different story. No, I'm not trying to one up you fool, I'm simply stating that we all have urges to do things for all manner of reasons. If your pre-frontal cortex responsible for higher executive functioning is impaired, then you will experience difficulty with impulse control. There is nothing anyone can do for that. That's why people fly off the handle and do bad things. It's a matter of impulse control.

Sorry for the late reply.

Simply telling me to get a hold of myself didn't help me in any way because if it were that easy, I wouldn't have needed to start this thread in the first place. Your second response was much more useful aside from the part where you called me a fool.
Anyways, like I said, I don't feel angry at all when I get these urges. I only look at someone and feel the need to punch them. Without really thinking, I act on the urge and it happens so quickly that I don't have time to stop myself — only to make sure I don't actually hit them. Regardless, I will consider what you've told me for when I speak to my therapist. Thank you for your time.