Dealing with anger
DEALING WITH ANGER
ANGER CAN BE HEALTHY
Anger is a normal healthy emotion that everyone experiences at some time. We can become angry when we see something that is unjust or wrong and it can help us to act on getting it changed. Anger only becomes unhealthy when we express it in a way that hurts others and yourself. Likewise, if you bottle it up and don't express it at all, you may find that it will come out in ways that you didn't expect. There are many ways of expressing your anger.
HOWEVER, BECOMING VIOLENT IS NEVER AN OPTION.
MANAGING YOUR ANGER
When you are angry you can sometimes say or do things that you regret later. Finding ways to manage you anger is important. Knowing yourself and when it is time to walk away before you hurt someone or yourself. Its okay during an argument to say I can't talk about this right now, I would like to finish this later when I am calmer and can think clearly. By saying this you are not giving in, backing down or saying they are right. You are saying that it is important to you and that you want to talk about it properly.
When you walk away have strategies to calm yourself down, this might be go for a walk, play video games, kick a ball, play some music or just sit quietly somewhere and think through what ever you are angry about.
Once you have calmed down think about why it made you so angry, was it something that pushed your buttons or was it something that is important that needs to be dealt with. Think about how you can change what is going on. It can be helpful to get another perspective, talking to a good friend or a counsellor can help you see it from a different way.
WHAT IF I FIND IT HARD TO MANAGE MY ANGER?
Sometimes it can be hard to manage your anger and you might find you need a little help. If you find that you are hurting yourself or someone else you need to talk to someone about your anger. A counsellor, trusted friend or talk to the staff at YHES House. If you do go off your head when you are angry, then you have to take responsibility for any damage you cause to people or property. This might mean apologising for your actions and paying for repairs to properly. If you don't do this then you are likely to lose friends and the respect of others. If your anger levels are always extreme, try learning some more techniques or try an anger-management course to better understand how to keep your anger under control and express it safely for at concerned.
For more information follow these links:
Child & Youth Health - Learning To Relax
Anger Management .PDF
Headroom - The Lounge
Reachout.com.au
SafeYouth.org - Anger Management
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