Establish what pushes your buttons
Forewarned is forearmed and in the case of anger it is crucial to know what is likely to set you off. Keep a diary for a couple of weeks and see whether you can pull out common themes from the situations that appear to prime your anger.
- Do you get angry when you feel helpless?
- Do you get angry when other people don’t appear to be listening to what you have to say?
- Do you get angry when you make mistakes?
- Do you get angry when you feel threatened?
- Do you get angry with particular people? What is it about them that gets you going?
- Can you spot any other factors that predispose you towards anger? Are you more vulnerable at certain times in the day? When you’re tired? When you drink alcohol or use drugs?
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