Anger is a feeling that we all have.  Sometimes people feel their anger is out of control.  I find anger is a tool which helps me understand what is the deep rooted concerns a person is struggling with.

Anger can be described to be on an anger scale.  From people feeling (1) a low level of strife about a situation, to feeling (10) overpowered by the anger and becoming outwardly physical and violent toward others.

When the anger is addressed early on in the scale, the issues can be addressed sooner and the individual is able to decide what action, if any, to make regarding the issue of concern.  This happens when one looks at the triggers to the anger and looks at what the internal and external messages the individual experiences. Anger is not an easy emotion, but an important one to look at.Anger as it progresses up the anger scale can get more and more debilitating for the individual.

In children, anger typically can be seen when they do not have the words to communicate what they are feeling or needing from the adults around them.  At times, it is the tool children use to get what they want from a sibling or peer. Teaching them to use words to ask for what they want and the coping skills to manage their feelings when the outcome is not what they are looking for is a key treatment tool.

Over time, working to develop a more effective way for people to use their words to feel heard and to get their needs met is the key to managing one’s anger.  Every situation is different and the circumstances are unique to the situation. Talking with a Mental Health Counselor and/or an Substance Abuse Counselor can be helpful to sift through the many pieces present with anger to help develop the tools to manage one’s anger.