Anger and Stress can both be detrimental to our personal relationships and our health. Learning
about anger and stress, recognising what may trigger them (in ourselves and others), what the
symptoms are and how to control or manage such emotions can greatly enhance our the quality of
our lives.
Anger management does not mean internalising or suppressing anger.
Anger is a perfectly normal human emotion and, when dealt with appropriately, can even be
considered a healthy emotion. We all feel angry from time to time, yet this feeling can lead us to say
or do things that we later regret. Anger can reduce our inhibitions and make us act inappropriately.
Anger management concerns recognising the triggers for anger as early as possible and expressing
these feelings and frustrations in a cool, calm and collected way.
We often have learnt-behaviours as to how to deal with strong emotions, so anger management is
about unlearning ineffective coping mechanisms and re-learning more positive ways to deal with the
problems and frustrations associated with anger.
There are many anger management techniques that you can learn and practise by yourself or teach
to others. However if you, or someone you know, experiences a lot of regular anger or very strong
anger (rage) then seeking help, usually in the form of a counsellor, can be more effective.
You should seek professional help if anger is having a long-term negative impact on your
relationships, is making you unhappy, or is resulting in any dangerous or violent behaviour.