Anger Management

Anger is a normal and basic human emotion. Depending on how it is managed and expressed, anger can have positive or negative consequences. Feelings of anger can signal when our rights are being violated or our needs are being ignored. Anger can also help to motivate us to address problems with another person or to change our life situation.

However, there are potential negative consequences of anger when it is not managed or expressed appropriately. Some people are chronically angry at others, or at themselves. Prolonged or intense anger and frustration contributes to physical conditions such as headaches, digestive problems, high blood pressure and heart disease due to excessive adrenaline release. Problems dealing with angry feelings may be linked to psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and substance abuse disorders. Chronic anger often creates problems getting along with others, and can lead to involvement in physically or emotionally abusive relationships.

The following are some possible signs of difficulty coping with anger:

• You often feel tense, irritable or frustrated.
• You frequently feel hurt or resentful that others treat you unfairly.
• You hurt others, especially those you care about, by demeaning or putting them down, cursing at them, or being verbally abusive. You end up regretting something you said or did when angry.
• You take out your anger on someone or something else rather than the person or situation that is bothering you.
• You have physically lashed out when angry (e.g. destroyed property, hit someone, etc.).
• You have lost or are in danger of losing a relationship, job, or something else important to you because of your anger.
• You have been arrested or have legal difficulties because of your anger.
• You use alcohol or drugs to try and calm your emotions.
• Others (e.g. friends, family, bosses) have expressed concern about your anger.

Please contact a psychotherapist if you are interested in learning how to utilize anger management techniques.