Anger Management
A powerful emotion that can influence people's thought patterns and behavior choices, anger can contribute to aggression and violence, intentional or unintentional acts of self-harm, and social or legal problems. Anger can also be a sign of psychological conditions such as major depression or bipolar. Drugs and alcohol often mask anger temporarily, but they may also have the effect of worsening one's anger, as drugs and alcohol can reduce self-control and tend to increase impulsivity.
If an individual has an anger problem, he or she may be aware of it but not know what to do. That individual may also not be aware of his or her anger; the nature of anger may lead those experiencing extreme anger to deny they have any responsibility for the problems to which they contribute.
Potential signs of anger issues include:
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Persistent feelings of frustration toward oneself or others.
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An inability to enjoy life or the company of others.
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A hot temper or a tendency to yell or argue with others.
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Physical signs such as headaches, rapid breathing, or a pounding heart.
Managing Anger
Because frequent anger can become intolerable for some and may come to affect daily actions and relationships negatively, an individual experiencing intense, frequent anger may wish to take steps to reduce it. The therapists can help people learn to manage their emotions, but an individual can also take steps independently to understand and experience emotions at the core of the behaviors. Our therapies include:
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Considering that anger might be masking another emotion.
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Talking to a loved one about one’s feelings.
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Writing in a journal.
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Using physical activity, such as running or bicycling, as an outlet for anger.
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Taking time each day to do something enjoyable.
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Finding techniques, such as time management and advanced planning, that may help reduce stress before it becomes intolerable.