Anger is a normal emotion ranging from annoyance to intense rage.
Anger can be triggered by situations you consider unfair or when you believe someone has humiliated you or put you at risk. Anger itself is not a mental health condition, however, it can be a symptom of mental health issues such as conduct disorder, borderline personality disorder and depression.
Anger can be expressed in a respectful and assertive way. Although it is not always easy, you can choose how to react to situations that make you angry.
Anger can be controlled by recognising the physical signs and learning ways and coping mechanisms to calm yourself.
If you feel you can’t control your anger and it leads to aggression and violence, you should talk to your GP or a mental health professional and seek help to manage your anger better.
Anger management training is not about dismissing your anger but instead helping you learn strategies to manage your anger in a healthy way.
Psychologists have the skills and experience to help you learn how to manage anger effectively so that your relationships are not damaged.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT Therapy can help you understand your triggers and warning signs and learn physiological relaxation techniques, learn how to take time out and communicate that you need this, monitor and control unhelpful thinking which perpetuates the anger response, and finally, learn how to use assertiveness rather than aggressive communication.
Assertiveness training can help you get your viewpoint across without becoming aggressive.
Couples Counselling or Family counselling can help families, couples or others in a relationship improve their understanding of a partner or family member’s anger, improve communication, and learn to resolve conflict and problem-solving skills.
