Anger and anger management can both be learned behaviors. We tend to learn behaviors from those around us. If we have lived with people who express anger in negative ways, we are likely to use the same approach.
The good news is that negative behaviors can be unlearned, and positive ones can be learned to replace them.
The key to changing old, destructive patterns of angry behaviors is to learn what contributes to your feelings of anger.
The following are common causes that provoke anger:
• Frustration and stress
• Being overtired
• Keeping feelings bottled up inside
• Feeling misunderstood or ignored
The consequences of uncontrolled anger can be devastating to personal relationships and physical well-being. Poor anger management is a key factor in domestic violence, child abuse, relationship problems, behavior problems, workplace violence, substance abuse, school and workplace violence and delinquency, and criminal behavior.
Anger can actually cause or worsen health problems, including high blood pressure and depression.
According to several double blind studies, some over a 25 year period, high levels of hostility were directly correlated to fatal heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.
Frustration, pain, loss, and the unpredictable actions of others cause anger and are an inevitable part of life.
Our own behavior is the one thing we can control no matter the circumstances.
Anger management techniques teach constructive ways to deal with issues that arise and how to replace destructive behaviors with new ones that will enhance the overall quality of your life.