How to manage anger issues - what you need to know

A great hijacker of life is an uncontrollable temper. To be able to suppress, control, and regulate anger can be easy for some, but quite difficult for others. Sure, having a temper is totally normal. Anger is quite normal. Anger tells a story, a reflection of how we feel, want to say but cannot express in words, but shows disgust, irritability, and frustration. Hence, some people find the need to reach out to professionals, to avail themselves of mental health care services to help them with anger management. Keep reading this article to learn how to manage and better manage anger issues.

“Anger” can also be positive. How? It can help us process things, understand why we feel the way we do and work at the issues that have brought about such heightened emotions. But, if you fail to manage anger issues, anger can truly lead to even bigger problems if you are unable to work through the causes or triggers of your irritation.

How to manage anger issues?

1. Breath and then Count –

Sounds passe, but breathing really can help us control our emotions. When we breathe and count, we are forced to keep still. and to become quiet. Walking away allows us to find peace. A quick snap back to reality, that is what happens when we allow ourselves to take a breather when we are upset. We can hold our tongue, our thoughts and process our next move if and when it is appropriate.

2. Take a Step Back –

Not everyone can do this, but it’s one of the best things we can do when we are on edge. Some find this very difficult to do, to walk away. It is a skill that can be learnt. At times, some people who fail in learning to walk away find help or learn ways through counselling and other mental health support.

3. Mental Escape –

Finding a quiet place often helps. When angry, or at the peak of heightened emotions, alone time can truly make a difference.

4. Stop Talking –

Easy to say, but very difficult to do. However, this method will help you to better manage anger.

5. Jot It Down –

A journal can help us process the situation. Let’s say that the situation had gone from bad to worse, and after all that was said and done, we often feel regret. Writing things down is also part of therapy. People who choose telepsychiatry or telepsychology or other mental health services are sometimes asked to list their triggers by their therapists. Allowing identification of what has transpired, and to identify what they wish they had not said or done.

6. Inject Humor –

Thought difficult, allow humour to let you deal with your angry feelings.

7. Seek Help –

When managing our anger issues can be difficult, it may be time to seek a time-out, for professional help. Some people find that seeking professional help can be a bit out there, but we will never know until we try. If going to a hospital or clinic is just too much to swallow, telehealth mental health care service is available. It can be done in the comfort of your own home, even in the car or anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. Don’t knock it until you try it. Who knows? It can create all the difference?

Any normal people experience anger, but the way how we manage anger issues makes all the difference. If your anger turns into extreme, like aggression or outburst, surely, we have to find a way to deal with it to manage anger. If not, it leaves us vulnerable, as well as our friends, family, and loved ones. Since the pandemic, online telehealth mental health health care service has gained popularity. People do, at times, have limited patience. There are underlying factors that may be beyond a person’s understanding. Because of this, professional help should be considered for better anger management.

When traditional therapy (face to face) is not possible, or when the cost is just too expensive to get mental help, do check with your GP. At times, some areas in the regional areas of Australia offer bulk-billed telehealth services. Bulk-billed telepsychiatry or telepsychology means that there is no out of pocket cost for the patients. Take advantage of this service. Call your GP and find out if you are eligible for this service.