posted October 06, 2000 04:54 AM            

DEALING WITH ANGER
1. SUPPRESSION
aware but unable to express, and stop thinking about the feelings.

turning the anger inwards and on yourself. Leads to hypertension or depression. passive-aggressive behaviour (hostility and cynicism)

2. REPRESSION
unaware there is angry feelings, and have pushed it out of consciousness to subconsciouness or numbing. Leads to post-traumatic stress disorder or recurrent dreams some time later.

3. EXPRESSION
Healthiest way is to express in an exertive, non-aggressive way where you clearly state your needs and how they can be met.

ANGER MANAGEMENT
1. communication
think through your responses before you react and avoid jumping to conclusions too quickly.
2. relaxation
learn to unwind and take up leisure activities such as exercises
3. deep breathing
inhale and exhale and put your palm to your diaphragm to feel the rythmic motions. Concentrate on the breathing.
4. humour
visualise OW/OM as a two pound s*it in a one pound bag, for eg.
5. cognitive restructuring
make changes to your thought patterns, eg, don't curse or swear but learn how to explain the situation logically. It is a more productive way of getting the points across.
6. Rewarding your better actions
stop clenching teeth or fists, think of regretful actions, leave the scene, reflect and give yourself a pat on the bcak for not acting out the anger.
7. choice is yours
what you do with the emotion is really your choice
8. live and let live
life will always be full of pain, disappointments, frustrations, loss, unpredictable actions by others, learn to let go.
9. calm down
learn to repair your body through rest, relaxation, and deep breathing methods.
10. caring support
friends and other support groups to help you heal the stresses of life

posted October 07, 2000 07:43 AM            

I put it in as a link in the Notable Posts/Threads post.

posted October 07, 2000 08:00 AM            

NSR: Thank you for adding it to the notable thread. I'm sure several people will benefit from this healthy/helpful information.