This week sees the publication of Anger Management – The Essential Guide (available from Need2Know), anger is a universal problem and in the UK more than one in 10 people say they have trouble controlling their own anger. The Boiling Point report by the Mental Health Foundation also found that:
- One in five people say they have ended a relationship or friendship with someone because of how they behaved when they were angry.
- 58% of people wouldn’t know where to seek help with an anger problem.
You should see your GP if you feel you have anger management issues, they may be able to suggest the right treatment for you and your circumstances. Treatments range from anger management classes, cognitive behavioural therapy to neurolinguistic programming and hypnotherapy.
However, if your anger management issues are not encroaching on your personal and professional life to the extent where you feel you need professional help, there are several DIY ways of coping with your anger on a day-to-day basis, some of which are listed below:
- Exercising regularly – physical activity releases the ‘feel-good’ hormones we desperately need to feel happy about ourselves and others. Whether you take a regular exercise class, join a salsa dance group or simply go for a regular stroll in your neighbourhood, it’s all beneficial.
- Eating properly – don’t underestimate the importance of having a healthy diet. Having a sugar high – and then a sugar low – can play an enormous role in many people’s moods.
- Keeping a diary – writing isn’t for everyone, but many people find it an extremely cathartic way of getting their feelings under control. Keeping track of your moods can also help you pinpoint when you get angry and why, and hopefully stave off outbursts or bad feelings in future.
- Talking to a friend – having someone who understands you well is a gift, and if you have one, why not take advantage of him or her? Often having someone there who really listens and understands is all you’ll need to put things into perspective.
- Listening to music – calming music has been shown to slow down your heart rate and therefore help your entire body to relax.
Extracted and compiled from Anger Management – The Essential Guide by Wendy Sloane.
