AR. wo, ANGER PURPOSE: To increase knowledge and awareness of physical, behavioral and emotional anger symptoms. GENERAL COMMENTS: Oftentimes, anger is misunderstood and unrecognized. “Getting to know your anger” and confronting itis the first step in effective anger management POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES: ‘A. 1, Distribute handouts and review. When discussing “anger inventory", ask group members to share their totals, Remind group members that unmanaged anger will have a negative effect on Physical and mental health, 2. Instruct group members to write anger vertically 3 times on the back of each handout A A A N N N G a 6 E E E R R R 3. Ask that group members use the first set of letters to describe their physical anger symptoms in words or phrases, eg., A aches N = nausea G- gritting teeth E - energy loss R - rigid posture 4. Continue using the second set for emotional symptoms, eg.. ‘A- anxious N- negative G- guity E - embarrassed R - resentful 5. And the third set for behavioral anger symptoms, eg., ‘A alcohol N - narcoties, nicotine G - getting into trouble E- eat a lot A = Tisk - safety 6. Encourage sharing of group members’ responses by listing them on the chalkboard. 7. Process beneiits of increased awareness of personal anger symptoms. 8. 1. Distribute handouts and review. When discussing “anger inventory", ask group members to share their totals. Remind group members that unmanaged anger will have a negative effect on physical and mental health, 2. Complete handouts. 8, Direct group members into pairs for sharing of responses. Allot time for both partners to share in detail (approximately 15-20 minutes) 4. Return to large group and give each group member 1-2 minutes to summe ’ * anger profile, Encourage feedback from others as appropriate, 5. Process benefits of this activity,ANGER STYLES (Y STUFFING ESCALATING MANAGING Do you “stuff” your anger? Do you tend to avoid direct confrontation? “Stuffers” can deny anger... they may not admit to themselves or to others that they are angry. “Stuffers” may not be aware that they have the right to be angry. Some reasons we “‘stuff” are: 1] fear of hurting/offending someone. [_] 2] fear of being disliked or rejected. [1] 3] fear of losing control. C] 4] feeling it’s inappropriate (not ok) to be angry. C1 5] feeling unable to cope with such a strong, intense emotion. C] 6] fear of damaging/losing a relationship. L] 7]it’s a learned behavior (but, it can be unlearned!). L] 8] trying to use a different style than the one | was raised with. 9) Consequences/Problems: 1] anger comes out — regardless. 2] impairs relationships. 3] compromises physical and mental health. 4) 5]ANGER STYLES STUFFING ESCALATING [4 MANAGINGI I'm really working hard on managing my anger — so... Ineed to talk to you. I feel angry when... Do you ‘*manage”’ your anger?__ Do you allow anger to mobilize you in positive directions? OPEN, HONEST AND DIRECT EXPRESSION is the most effective way of managing anger. Easier said than done, huh? When expressing anger directly, keep these important skills in mind . * Remind yourself that anger is a normal, human emotion — it's OK to feel angry! * Before open, honest and direct expression, evaluate the following — What was the trigger event? _Is this good timing for the listener? © Set a specific time limit for anger discussion. ‘« Rlemember your body language — firm voice — moderate tone — direct eye contact — maintain personal ‘‘space” — establish an even eye level with the listener * Don’t attack or blame the person. * Focus on the specific behavior that triggered your anger. * Avoid black and white thinking. (‘“You never... .”. Instead, “I'd prefer that... then I would feel... .”” * Use “I” statements. "P" feel angry when . “1" feel angry that . * Avoid statements/actions that you'll regret later. * Don’t drag in old issues now. ‘* Check for possible compromises ‘After open, honest and direct expression, close the discussion, and then move on! * When it's over, pat yourself on the back for your assertiveness! '* Say to yourself ‘‘I (and perhaps the people around me) will be better off in the long run!” NOW say to yourself — ‘By managing my anger I took a1 portant step in improving my sense of well-being!””ANGER STYLES STUFFING ESCALATING (¥ MANAGING II Do you ‘‘manage” your anger?__ Do you allow anger to mobilize you positive directions? OPEN, HONEST AND DIRECT EXPRESSION is the most effective way of managing anger. (see Anger Styles - Managing !) Additional effective anger management techniques are: 1] choosing constructive (not destructive) methods/ solutions/ideas. A. Trying physical outlets. e.g. exercise, housework, crafts, etc. 8B. Problem solving and coming up with action plans. e.g. forming a neighborhood watch to combat vandalism. 2] involving an objective third party. ‘Ask someone you trust to be a sounding board. 3] using the “empty chair” exercise. Pretend you're sitting across from the person you're angry with and say what's on your mind, ‘Who is that person’ 4] writing a letter to the person you're angry with. You could describe your anger right now, at the time of the anger event or both. You can destroy it/you can save it/you can mail it at a later date. 5] using relaxation techniques. Guided imagery. Self-help tapes. Music. 6] using positive self-talk. ‘am able to choose my anger style.” am angry but I'm not going to let it 7] working towards anger resolution through acceptance (learning to live with the fact that Certain people and situations, past, present & future, will not change). ‘Make realistic expectations: ‘What is one frustrating anger situation? Can it really change as you'd like it to in the near future? O Yes Htnot... * realize the powerlessness over the situation. * give yourself a time limit to be angry, and then... letit go... ! * constantly remind yourself “I cannot afford to stay angry. What's at stake here?” + recognize the need for forgiveness. “No painful event is allowed to contribute to my anger more than one time.”” focus on the present. ONo 8) ‘Who might this be? Cote vn Repessnsne, (nenaANGER DIARY Dae ma FIRST BUTE ALS TRIGGERED aru Osi Piste au iat + / - GENERALLY, DO SOR ety TN Tame NOT SO WELL? WHAT WAS SOMETHING aC May Sables aaa Aa Se ara an BETTER MANAGE Saad Lr)LIFE MANAGE! T SKILLS I reproducible activity handouts create: facilitators A sampler collecjon of . activities of daily living rietloss: safety issues anger management ‘humor &. self-esteem/self-image assertion life balance steps to recovery ‘communication: verbal money management stress management communication: nonverbal parenting: support systems coping skills reminiscence time management Read what the professionals are saying about Life Managément Skills I... “We use the handouts from this book almost daily. We have fduund life skills training to be a very important part of recovery.” : DAN STINSON, Men's Addiction Coumsélor - Hamilton, ON, Canada “Most useful collection of handouts I have ever found in on¢ book. Lontent, relevancy of materia, and artwork are very appealing to both the therapist and patient. They have been a tremendous time saver for my hospitals. 1 have recommended these bookg without hesitation to all the hospitals where I do consulting work in psychiatric rehabilitation.” ~ ANITA COLSTON MALTUN, MA, QTR’ Rolling Hills Estates, CA “Very good work sheets! Makes planning easier for staff members-with a limited schedule.” — ED DiJOSEPH, Memal Hépith Counselor - Hinsdale, IL “Very useful in a variety of settings with a variety of clients at different ages and functioning levels. Tuse Life Management Skills books as a resource more than anything else. I love these books and so do my clients and co-workers!” _ KAT PAYTON, Case Manager/Counselor - Seminole, OK s@N 0-9622022-5-8 WELLNESS iii ju’ REDRODUCTIONS = | | | g PUBLISHING INC. I] | VE 23045 Mercantile Rd. Ml Beachwood, OH 44122-5924 Bf 800 / 669-9208 @ FAX 800/501-8120 http://www.wellness-resources.com