Interactive

Anger

Irrational anger can pose big problems for you and for those around you. Whatever the underlying cause, taking positive steps to control anger with relaxation techniques, therapy and management skills can help you to get to the root of your problems.

Irrational anger can be a problem if you don't learn to control it. Sufferers feel agitated and angry and may have uncontrolled outbursts sometimes even leading to violence. There can be several causes of irrational anger and it is often a symptom of stress and feeling out of control of your life.

Whatever the underlying cause of your anger taking positive steps to control it will help you and others around you.

Finding the cause
Does your anger give you energy or allow you to frighten people into giving into you. Ask yourself if somebody treated you in this way when you were younger or is someone being aggressive to you now? Address this situation and your self-worth will start climbing again.

Ask somebody you trust to tell you how long your behaviour has been going on or when it is happening. Are you are more irrational at home or in the workplace? You may come up with some interesting answers- some of which you may not like.

Taking control of your anger
Visit your GP and have a check-up, blood pressure etc, as your physical health may be affecting you. Ask to be referred to an 'anger management' therapist or support group in your area. Your doctor should be able to give you the number of your nearest branch.

Try a few relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, concentrating on filling your stomach up like a balloon and then feeling your stress releasing as the balloon deflates. Try this for 15 minutes each day.

Ask your company for training in communication and management skills. Your behaviour is reversible and with training and counselling you will learn that anger is a deep rooted fear that is not being dealt with.