Out of All the Things you can’t Control, Get Control Over One
Everyone knows anger is a normal human emotion, but perhaps your anger looks and feels different. It may be starting to consume you (and affect those around you). Perhaps you used to get angry when it was “warranted” — being wronged by someone you care for or seeing bad news on TV — but now, you can feel that your anger is totally unpredictable. This can feel very confusing. You may find yourself lashing out at the person who didn’t replace the milk carton in the fridge or having inordinate outbursts when your computer freezes. Triggers can be so tiny you may not even recognise them as triggers at all.
There are many things we can’t control in life but if you feel you’re not in control of your anger, it can be powerfully debilitating. You need to remember that YOU are more powerful and you can get a hold of your anger. One method that could help you prove exactly that is peer counseling for anger management.
Read the Signs, then Reach Out
It can be difficult to know whether you need anger management or if there’s just a lot to be angry about. The world can be a complex and confusing place so don’t be hard on yourself if that’s the case. If you’re not sure which side of the fence you sit, there are some tell-tale signs to look out for which may suggest that it’s time to consider anger management counseling. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic personal epiphany or radical realisation you reach on your own. It could even be raised by a loved one or a colleague who mentioned the impact your behavior is having on others.
“Anger” is one letter short of “Danger”
Anger is a normal human emotion but you may be in the danger zone if your repressed anger is showing up in abnormal ways. Anger can cause unprovoked screaming matches, fuel road rage, cause a sharp tongue or physically urge you to break something or hurt someone. These sorts of events are obviously warning signs and need to be addressed. “Anger” may be one letter shy of “danger” but anger management can prompt positive change and a redirection of energy toward something good.
Acknowledge it, then Work on it
When you’re constantly on the defense and ready to fight, admitting that you need support is the first and hardest step. The more your anger spirals, the more isolated you feel so in-person anger management meetups or in-person traditional therapy can be a no-go. Alternatives like online peer counseling sessions happen from the comfort of your couch, giving you a confidential connection to the empathetic ear of someone who’s experienced anger issues just like you.