Counseling Downingtown - let's talk Rage

This theme of anger frequently arises in my practice. You know, that surge of adrenaline you experience when something really irritates you. We all encounter the sensation of anger. We wouldn’t want it to disappear completely either. You need to be prepared to fight or flee if someone is attacking you. But are they? Occasionally, minor things irritate and upset you that wouldn’t be significant on another day, yet now they’re stressing you out. Anger is the emotion. And regardless of what triggers your anger, how you manage it is what truly counts.

Now, every person at some point in their life have had serious anger outbursts at something. Your out of control anger outbursts not only have adverse effects on you but it has a negative impact on the people around you. Friends and family members will be hurt to see you in distress and rage constantly. You might be having heated arguments or screaming and shouting in rage. Resolving a conflict by acting out on your anger is never a viable solution, it creates more problems by escalating the issue at hand. Rather than losing control and channeling anger into acting out, anger could be channeled into speaking up for yourself, getting your point across, being heard.

1. Take three deep breaths.

2. Whoever loses it, loses. Losing your temper makes you look like the bad guy to everyone else, no matter who is really at fault.

3. Go for a walk. When you get really angry, walk away from the source. A 5-minute walk outside or another calming activity like yoga are great coping strategies for dealing with anger.

One last thought, knowing which battles to fight, and which to leave for another day, or even walk away from altogether is critical to being successful in life. If you find yourself fighting too many battles, on too many fronts, you will end up feeling drained of emotional, mental and physical energy. What’s more, your relationships will inevitably suffer as a result. We are all just people, struggling to lead happy, healthy, meaningful lives. Even the people who anger you.