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20 ARCHBOLD
MEDICAL CENTER
Dealing with anger
Chapman said there are many tech-
niques available for managing anger.
“Try concentrating on breathing, and
counting from 10 backwards can also be
helpful,” said Chapman.
Here are a few more methods:
Meditation or prayer
can be highly
beneficial as a technique in helping
people manage their emotions.
Regular exercise
is an effective way
to release pent-up frustrations.
Looking at the real cause of irra-
tional anger outbursts
is important.
Sometimes talking to a counselor or
trusted friend can be a help.
Anger management classes
can be
beneficial for those who regularly find
themselves in trouble because of anger.
Assertiveness training
can help
people learn how to get what they want
without the need for tantrums.
Almost everyone will experience feelings of
anger. Do you know how to turn down the heat on
this emotion, though?
Don’t
BOIL
over!
ALMOST
EVERYONE
will experience
at least occasional
feelings of anger. “This
emotion may occur when
a person feels frustrated or
mistreated,” said Tony Chapman, Director
of the Archbold Employee Assistance
Program. “Individuals who get angry
may become openly aggressive or they
may become passive aggressive. But it’s
important to know that excessive anger
can be a highly destructive emotion.”
Why it’s dangerous
Excessive anger can lead to undesirable
consequences:
•
It can alienate friends and family.
•
It can destroy relationships.
•
It can lead to loss of employment.
•
It can cause insomnia and increased
fatigue.
•
If an individual experiences the
fight-or-flight response too often, it can
begin to damage body organs. It can also
increase risk of heart disease.
•
It can cause violence. And violent peo-
ple are more likely to commit illegal acts.
•
Angry people are more likely to turn
to alcohol and drugs.
Tony Chapman
Director, Archbold Employee
Assistance Program
ANGER MANAGEMENT