Anger is a basic human emotion that everyone feels at one time or another. It is usually triggered by an emotional hurt; anger is often experienced as an unpleasant feeling and occurs when you think you have been injured, mistreated, opposed in your long-held views, or when faced with obstacles that keep you from attaining set goals. Anger can be expressed through either active or passive behaviour. In active anger, a person will lash out verbally or physically at an intended target. Passive anger is expressed through silent sulking, passive-aggressive behaviour and tension. Anger can also be experienced empathetically, as in reading an article about the discrimination of a minority and feeling angry about what has happened.
Some hidden signs of anger may include:
| Addictions |
Complaining |
Lying |
| Keeping secrets |
Resentment |
Stealing |
| Gossiping |
Interrupting when someone is talking |
Excessive drinking |
| Stereotyping |
Being demanding |
Judging |
| Being sarcastic |
Being dishonest |
Displaying an aggressive personality |
| Being manipulative |
Hitting “in fun” |
Dwelling on the past |
| Teasing |
Being abusive towards others |
Intimidating others |
| Needing to be “right” |
Employing humour as an anger cover-up
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Anger is normal, but being able to deal with anger and learning to not letting it get the better of you is important. Some useful ways of dealing with anger include:
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Talk to a friend you can trust about what is making you angry |
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Count to 10 |
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Exercise (go for a run, walk, or lift weights) |
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Walk away from the situation which is causing your anger |
| ° |
Find a quiet place to calm down |
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Think about something that makes you happy |
If you have any questions or concerns, please visit the Counselling and Support Programs Office located in L-210 of the Parker Building to make an appointment to talk with a qualified counsellor.
Sources:
Dealing with Anger (n.d.) Retrieved May 7, 2007 from Kids Health for Kids: www.kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/emotion/anger.html
Anger Management (n.d.) Retrieved May 7, 2007 from Mental Help.net: www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=5803&cn=116
Anger (n.d.) Retrieved May 7, 2007, fromWikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anger
Hidden Symptoms of Anger (n.d.) Retrieved May14, 2007, from Anger Management Training: www.manageanger.com/hiddensymtoms.htm
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updated: April 2010