One second you are calm the next you are filled with seething anger and it feels like you go from 0 to 100 in 60 seconds. You may be left wondering what happened and how you can stop yourself from getting so angry next time. Alternatively, you may be thinking I get angry sometimes, so what, is this really a problem? Anger is a normal human emotion, and we all get angry sometimes so at what point is it important to seek help for anger? If you find that anger is negatively impacting one or more aspects of your life such as your personal relationships, your professional life, your own mental health, or your family life then it may be beneficial to speak with a therapist about your anger.
Anger Management Issues
Out of Control
Someone experiencing anger management issues may feel out of control when they’re angry. As a result, you may regret the actions that you took when experiencing anger.
No Way To Cope
When you feel angry, you may not have the skills to calm yourself down. You may try to avoid anger by bottling up your emotions until you explode.
Always Angry
It may feel like anger is the only emotion that you experience. You may use anger as a way to protect yourself or deal with the world around you.
What Are Symptoms of Anger Management Issues?
Looking at symptoms on the internet can be alarming. Please keep in mind that symptoms are viewed as one part of a broad picture involving many factors - the presence or absence of the listed symptoms does not mean you do or do not have anger management issues.
Behavioural Symptoms
Punching walls or breaking things when angry
Verbally lashing out at others by screaming, swearing, or saying mean things
Blaming others for your anger
Emotional Symptoms
Not being connected to vulnerable emotions such as sadness, hurt, loneliness, or fear
Being quick to anger
Getting extremely angry over small things, like the store being out of your regular toothpaste
Taking a long time to calm down, or finding it difficult to calm down after being angry
Physical Symptoms
Experiencing physical health issues as a result of chronic anger
Treating Anger Management
There are many ways to treat anger management issues. Talk to your therapist about the best treatment method for you. Below are some of the most common treatments:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches clients to recognize how their thoughts impact their feelings and behaviours and to help them evaluate their thoughts to ensure they are in line with the facts of a situation.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) helps individuals by teaching them skills in four categories: emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
Therapists Who Can Help
Check out our experienced team of therapists specializing in anger issues and anger management and find the perfect fit for you.
Anger Diary
Use this anger diary exercise to reflect on your anger, see the triggers and warning signs, and work towards your anger management goals.
Anger Management Toolkit
Use these worksheets from MensLine Australia to identify your payoffs and examine other emotions that accompany your anger.
Anger Self-Help
Read through this anger self-help guide to help understanding the signs and triggers for anger so that you can work through them at home.
