Tackling Anger

By Cody

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Anger is an extremely strong emotion that can destroy a person from inside out. This can be portrayed by several symptoms such as, acting out, hitting/throwing objects amongst other physical and emotional symptoms. Everyone you meet has experienced anger before, it’s how you deal with your anger that affects your emotional state, relationships and environment.

Often in the movies, TV shows and books, anger is portrayed by someone lashing out, (typically the ‘villain’), or being abusive towards another person. But of course, as most Hollywood films like to push that stereotype forward, those who do experience anger are often shunned by society and can perceive themselves as a bad person - this is certainly not the case. If you ever find yourself putting yourself down for feeling angry, please put yourself at rest, everyone has these feelings! It’s how we deal with them that makes us a good person. If you’re anything like me, you often let anger build up and take it out on yourself while others aren’t around, instead of hurting another person. But there are many healthier ways to let out your feelings, which can help you and others around you. 
 
I personally like to read and write down my feelings, this in itself is a great way of letting go of your feelings, it can give you a similar feeling of when you rant to others around you - but instead of sharing with others, you share with yourself and your journal. Now, I know this isn’t for everyone, but it really does work for those of you who need to get in touch with your feelings. 

Though if that isn’t a great coping technique, there are plenty more:

• Boxing / physically activities such as running 
• Taking a timeout
• Take to think and identify the issue that’s causing your anger and how to resolve it 
• Counselling or simply talking to a trusted person about your anger 
• Meditating
• Walking away from confrontation 
• Scream into a pillow - if it works, it works, don’t judge it until you’ve tried it 
• Listening to music (and if you’re like me, screaming the words)

Finding your own technique is vital to understanding how to overcome your anger, the sooner your put in the work to find peace within your anger the easier life can be, especially if it effects your relationships and your own emotional or physical health. 

If you struggle to help yourself, there are many different ways that medical professional can help you, please find the following links about anger: 

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/anger/

https://www.apa.org/topics/anger/control ​