Managing Your Anger

Anger is a normal emotion that most people experience from time to time. Anger is an emotional response when we feel frustrated, injustice, hurt, or fear and we can't seem to gain control. Feeling angry is not a problem, it is what you do to cope with your anger that can cause problems. Unhealthy ways people cope with anger may be screaming, punching the wall, saying hurtful things or worse. Anger needs to be managed so that it doesn't destroy your life or relationships.

Some helpful tips to help you manage your anger:

Become aware of anger triggers. What is causing you to feel angry? Is your anger masking other feelings such as sadness, shame, embarrassment, injustice? Identify the situation that makes your feel angry.

Change your thinking patterns. When you start to feel yourself become angry, STOP and take a moment to think about whether feeling angry or punching the wall will solve anything. Is being angry worth ruining your day? If you identify that your anger thoughts are not serving a purpose, reframe your thoughts with something more helpful.

Take a time out. Even adults need to take time out here and there. Take a moment to separate yourself from what is making you feel angry (person, situation, etc). Go for a walk, take some deep breaths, do something relaxing to help calm you down. It is important you learn to relax and find healthy ways to help you cope with anger.

Learn ways to Communicate effectively. It is important to be able to communicate your frustration and not take your anger out on others. Listen to what is behind your anger and communicate respectfully your thoughts and feelings without getting defensive.