Anger Management

Anger management is the process of learning to recognize signs that you're becoming angry, and taking action to calm down and deal with the situation in a positive way. Anger management doesn't try to keep you from feeling anger or encourage you to hold it in. Anger is a normal, healthy emotion when you know how to express it appropriately — anger management is about learning how to do this.

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You may learn anger management skills on your own, using books or other resources. But for many people, taking an anger management class or seeing a mental health professional is the most effective approach.

Anger management helps you recognize frustrations early and resolve them in a way that allows you to express your needs — and keeps you calm and in control.

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Some signs that you need help controlling your anger include:

• The regular feeling that you have to hold in your anger

• Constant cynical, irritated, impatient, critical or hostile feelings

• Frequent arguments with your partner, children or co-workers that escalate frustrations

• Physical violence, such as hitting your partner or children or starting fights

• Threats of violence against people or property

• Out-of-control or frightening behavior, such as breaking things or driving recklessly

• Anxiety or depression about anger so that you withdraw

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