Anger Management June 2006

What triggers anger? Anger is one reaction to an event that represents a stress, threat or loss to you Anger is one reaction to an event that represents a stress, threat or loss to you –Body –Property –Self-esteem –Values –Entitlement The stress, threat or loss can be real or perceived The stress, threat or loss can be real or perceived

Why do some people get angry and not others? Genetics Genetics Psychological factors Psychological factors Sociocultural experience Sociocultural experience

Dealing with angry people

Tips to deal with angry people: consider the situation Acknowledge problem & say sorry Acknowledge problem & say sorry Alter the environment Alter the environment –Back away –Leave the situation Use humour Use humour

Tips to deal with angry people: consider the other person Habit / low frustration tolerance Habit / low frustration tolerance Inappropriate expectation of others Inappropriate expectation of others Lack of assertiveness Lack of assertiveness Guilt about the situation Guilt about the situation Fear Fear May be a sign of underlying distress May be a sign of underlying distress

Tips to deal with angry people: consider yourself Relax Relax –Take a deep breath if you’re starting to get angry Better communication Better communication –Be assertive, not aggressive –Listen –Use a consultation model

Consultation Models Establish rapport (Neighbour) Establish rapport (Neighbour) Listen about patient’s ICE (Pendleton) Listen about patient’s ICE (Pendleton) Be aware of the way you both are reacting (Berne) Be aware of the way you both are reacting (Berne)

How to deal with your own anger

Your own anger Relaxation techniques Relaxation techniques –Imagine a beach…… Change your environment Change your environment –E.g. take regular breaks Better communication Better communication –Don’t jump to conclusions

Your own anger Cognitive restructuring Cognitive restructuring –Avoid NEVER, ALWAYS –Avoid irrational thoughts “everything’s ruined” –Getting angry wont fix anything, logic defeats anger –Anger may be caused by inescapable problems and not be misplaced so handle the problem –It is OK to be angry, it is what you do with it that counts

Your own anger Try assertiveness training Try assertiveness training Go easy on yourself Go easy on yourself

Dawley Centre for Psychological Therapy Referrals by professionals or self-referral to Referrals by professionals or self-referral to Waiting time 4 months Waiting time 4 months

For more information…. GP Training website: GP Training website: difficult_patients.htm British Association of Anger Management: British Association of Anger Management: Ahead4health: Ahead4health: er.htm#Explain

Questions ?