Treatment of Anger Management

Have you ever experienced the following situation? A trivial argument barely begins, and suddenly your heart rate spikes. A sudden outburst of anger ensue. The inner rage keeps escalating, and you lose control. With each word, your blood boils further, and your head starts to heat up.

If you’re familiar with this situation, you’re not alone. Many other people feel the same way. Whether you call these situations fits of rage, outbursts, or aggressions, outbursts of anger can be a real strain on all involved. But where does the anger come from? What consequences can it have? And what can be done about it?

You’ve probably experienced that there isn’t always just one single reason behind outbursts of anger. Feeling angry is a normal, universal human experience.  How we express our anger varies across individuals and societies.  We learn our individual expression of anger in our family, school, workplace, and the larger society. When our expression of anger is above average levels, anger management in Dubai will help get it under control.

Reasons for anger management

According to medical studies, the immediate thing for an angry person to be aware of is that angry outbursts increase our heart rate, blood pressure, and “sticky” platelets. These sticky platelets are released by our system into the blood stream and potentially set up life-threatening medical conditions, such as suffering a heart attack or a stroke.  Contrary to common belief, withholding angry outbursts will not cause any sort of inner explosion.  Conversely, the angry outburst actually is harmful to our mental and physical health.

Another critical point for you to keep in mind is that everyone in the angry person’s environment is affected by someone’s angry outbursts.  In the workplace, for example, co-workers lose self-esteem, are less productive, and suffer negative health effects.  They call in sick more often and eventually will leave the organisation.  Spouses of angry people report much lower rates of marital happiness and higher rates of anxiety and depression.  Children growing up in families where anger is not managed well by angry individuals feel unsafe and unloved.  This leaves psychological scars on children that take a long time to heal. When scarred individuals avoid therapy, this dysfunctional pattern will continue for generations.

Anger manifests in two ways:

Emotional abuse:

• Obscene Language
• Sarcasm
• Unfavourable Comparisons to Others
• Threatening (violence and abandonment)
• Put Downs
• Insulting Remarks About Friends and Family
• Dishonesty
• Blaming
• Shaming
• Unequal Treatment
• Controlling Behaviours (money, space, etc.)
• Exclusion from Decision Making…

Physical abuse:

• Violence
• Hitting
• Slapping
• Pinching
• Pushing
• Holding down
• Any physical disrespect…

Tips for Anger Management

There is nothing easier than to explode in anger; however, the emotionally mature person uses strategies to understand triggers and understands ways of anger management.  It is beneficial to all of us that we make strides towards healthy expressions of anger. This is why anger management in Dubai is a sign of strength.

Understanding Yourself

Take the Time to understand yourself. What Offends You?  How do you feel about

• Disrespect

• Unfair Treatment

• Incompetence

Managing the triggers

Learn how to manage your trigger situations.  Some you can simply avoid, and for others you can come up with appropriate things to say and do that will protect your needs and set healthy boundaries with others.

Think before acting

Make a decision to respond and not react. When you realise you are angry, take a moment to think. This lets you gather your thoughts to be able to state the problem at hand and work towards solving the issue.

Knowing the difference between assertion and aggression

An assertive statement could be: “I feel disrespected when I have to wait an hour for you to come.  I expect you to be on time, or kindly let me know that you are delayed.”

Aggressive statements are often accusatory, contain generalisations like “always and never,” and are insulting in word choice and content.

Taking time out

Give yourself and others permission to “take a time out” for calming down, understanding the issue better, and coming together again for renewed discussion and problem solving.

Identifying repetitive behaviour

You do not have to get angry about the same thing over and over again. Find solutions for solvable problems, see them through, and follow up. Know when you are up against an unsolvable problem and try respectful acceptance.

Changing thinking patterns

For example, if you think your unruly 2-year-old is defying you on purpose, you might want to reconsider. Maybe the child is tired, hungry, or simply unable to manage his feelings due to his young age.

Taking self-care

Follow good self-care guidelines that include healthy eating, good sleep, relaxation, mindfulness, hobbies, social, and spiritual needs.

Consider counselling

• If you feel that you cannot manage your anger, consider seeing a counsellor to address deep-seated issues to begin your journey of recovery.

• To get a head start on learning to communicate positively with a spouse or other persons of significance.

• If you need information on positive parenting,

• after having noticed that you use alcohol to calm down.

The most effective psychotherapy method is CBT.

FAQs about Anger Management

CHMC, German Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychology in Dubai, is specialised in the treatment of distinct psychiatric disorders; among them, we offer therapy for anger management.

What is anger management and where can I treat it in Dubai?

Anger management encompasses a range of methods and tactics aimed at assisting individuals in regulating and expressing anger in positive and constructive manners. It entails acquiring skills to identify triggers, handle emotions, and communicate effectively, thereby averting the escalation of anger affecting your social interactions. Our psychiatric clinic in Dubai offers treatment methods for anger management addressing its distinct root causes.

I’m living in Dubai and I’m getting angry while driving a car. Is it normal?

Anger is a powerful emotion characterised by feelings of irritation, dissatisfaction, or hostility. It manifests in various forms, both emotionally and physiologically, such as sweaty palms or feeling “red with rage.”

The anger management control problems can be “engraved” in your personality. However, such psychiatric conditions as depression or anxiety can reduce your stress tolerance, resulting in anger outbursts you didn’t experience earlier. It seems that your anger management control is a symptom of another psychiatric condition.

Why do some individuals experience more anger than others?

The causes can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals feel inner rage that has been building up for a long time and eventually erupts. Others, on the other hand, are constantly tense and stressed. They snap constantly. Yet others had a difficult childhood and tend to have such outbursts due to distressing memories. In the below list, you’ll find possible causes for outbursts of anger.

Anger levels vary among individuals due to a range of factors, including:

1. Upbringing and family environment
2. Emotional awareness and intelligence
3. Temperament and personality traits
4. Previous life experiences and trauma

While upbringing and genetic predispositions may contribute, everyone can benefit from anger management techniques and therapeutic interventions to learn effective coping strategies.

I have a stressful job, making it difficult to manage my anger…

Question:

I work in the IT sector with long working hours and a growing stress level. A few years ago, I was much calmer and more patient talking to my clients. I noticed that I’m more irritable. I manage to control my anger issues at work, but I’m losing control at home and get easily irritated by my wife and kids. Do I need anger management treatment? Where can I get help in Dubai?

Anwer:

Our German psychiatric clinic offers therapy for anger management. First, we have to find out what the root cause of your anger is. You’ve mentioned that your stress tolerance decreased over the years. The anger outburst might be a symptom of burnout, depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric condition. Once we secure the diagnosis, we offer you a tailored treatment plan.

What are signs that I need anger management?

Signs that you may benefit from anger management include frequent outbursts of anger, difficulty controlling anger, physical aggression or violence, problems with relationships or work due to anger, and feeling overwhelmed or out of control when angry.

How does therapy for anger management work?

Anger management typically involves learning coping skills and relaxation techniques to help individuals manage anger in healthier ways. This may include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, assertiveness training, and communication skills development.

When would I need professional help?

While some individuals may be able to learn anger management techniques on their own through self-help resources, others may benefit from professional guidance from a therapist or counsellor trained in anger management techniques. A professional can provide personalised support and guidance tailored to your specific needs.

How long does anger management take?

The length of anger management therapy varies based on the individual’s requirements and progress. Some individuals may experience improvements after a few sessions, while others may need longer-term therapy to thoroughly address underlying issues and cultivate effective coping mechanisms.

What can I do to manage anger on my own?

In addition to seeking professional help, there are several self-help strategies that individuals can use to manage anger on their own, such as practicing relaxation techniques, exercising regularly, seeking social support, and learning assertiveness and communication skills.

Where can I find resources for anger management?

Resources for anger management may include self-help books, online articles and videos, support groups, and anger management classes or workshops offered by mental health organisations or community centres. Additionally, many therapists offer anger management therapy either in person or through teletherapy.

How Do I Recognise If I Require Anger Management?

It’s essential to acknowledge that everyone can benefit from anger management, as we often lack the tools to effectively manage our emotions. You don’t have to exhibit extreme anger, violence, or aggression to benefit from it. Some individuals may bottle up emotions, struggle with communication, or engage in passive-aggressive behaviours like sulking or moodiness.

Here are some indicators that you may need anger management:

• Frequently engaging in arguments or fights, even over trivial matters
• Blaming others persistently
• Demonstrating impatience, irritability, frustration, or intolerance easily
• Participating in tie-for-tat exchanges
• Feeling vengeful and seeking to teach others lessons or punish them
• Exhibiting anger, aggression, or road rage
• Being overly defensive and perceiving others as constantly provoking