Anger Management

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Everyone knows what anger is, and most people have felt it at some point in their life. It is a completely normal, often healthy, human emotion. However if anger becomes out of control it may lead to many problems, at work, in personal relationships and in the overall quality of life. Anger is natures way of empowering individuals to protect against a perceived attack or threat, it is only the mismanagement of anger that causes problems. Anger can often be an unpredictable and powerful emotion.

Mismanaged anger can lead to many negative outcomes; domestic abuse, workplace violence, road rage, addiction and divorce are only a few examples. Anger is often triggered by perceived threats and is a common reaction when someone has been insulted, hurt or unfairly treated. However when anger is controlled and managed appropriately, it may have a positive influence, helping individuals stand up for themselves and fight against injustices.

Like most emotions, anger is accompanied by psychological and biological changes; the person's heart rate and blood pressure will typically increase, as will the level of adrenaline. Anger is possibly the most poorly handled emotion in our society; the goal of anger management therefore is to reduce both the emotional feelings and physiological arousal that anger creates. Knowing how to recognise and express anger in the correct way can help individuals reach their goals, solve problems and handle emergencies.

Symptoms:

Hostility

Explosive outbursts

Tense muscles

Clenched fist or jaw

Aggressive behaviour

Refusal to follow instructions or rules

Social withdrawal due to anger

Verbal abuse

Cause:

There are many reasons for people to suffer from uncontrollable anger. Physical conditions including irritability, sexual frustration, fatigue, hunger and pain may play a part, and hormonal conditions such as withdrawal, the menopause and PMS have also been found to initiate anger. Some of the most common causes of anger however, include harassment, disappointment, hurt, frustration, annoyance and threats. Anger can be caused by both external and internal events, and if it starts to interfere with everyday life and relationships, help should be sought.

Treatment:

If you feel that your anger is really out of control, and is affecting your life, counselling can help you develop a range of techniques for changing your thinking and behaviour. Without help, anger can lead to a variety of personal difficulties.

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