Anger and Anger Management :

Signs of Anger

• Change in breathing
• Tunnel vision
• Wanting to yell or hit
• Wanting revenge
• Feeling hot or flushed
• Feeling a need to lash out at someone or at yourself

Do’s and Dont’s of Anger Control

• Do cool off before addressing the issue
• Do understand your motives
• Do be assertive
• Do communicate constructively
• Do get some help if you need it
• Don’t get personal
• Don’t make accusations
• Don’t be aggressive
• Don’t sulk or avoid the issue
• Don’t use violence
• Don’t use alcohol or drugs when you’re angry

Understanding Your Anger

• Who am I really angry with?
• What am I really angry about?
• What will I gain by being angry?
• How is my anger affecting others?
• Is the situation in my control or anyone else’s?
• What can I do about the situation?

Expressing Anger

• Feeling anger is normal
• Expressing anger constructively is healthy
• Be in a state in which you can communicate clearly and effectively
• Making accusations and refusing to listen to someone does more harm than good
• Verbal, emotional, and physical abuse are wrong and are NEVER warranted
• Take time out of a discussion if you’re angry

Helpful Communication Skills

• Use “I” statements, not “You” statements
• Point out the behavior that you don’t like, and tell them how it makes you feel
• Don’t attack a person’s character
• Remember that a person can’t “make you feel” any particular way
• Maintain normal voice volume
• Take a break to calm down if you’re too mad to communicate constructively.

Teen Help Line: 972.233.TEEN