Serving Delaware since 2005
Myths About Anger
Myth #1: The way we express anger is inherited and unchangeable. Fact: False. The expression of anger is a behavior learned by observing influential people like family and friends -- it can be aggressive and violent, or assertive and effective. Learned behavior can be unlearned.
Myth #2: You must be aggressive to get what you want. Fact: False. Aggression may offer an immediate apparent payoff, but, in the long-term, aggression can lead to negative consequences such as arrest, physical injury, retaliation, losing loved ones and jobs, isolation, shame and regret.
Myth #3: Anger automatically leads to aggression. Fact: False. Anger does not have to lead to aggression. Effective anger management involves controlling the escalation of anger by learning assertiveness skills, changing negative and hostile "self-talk," challenging irrational beliefs and using other behavioral strategies taught in our classes.
Anger is an emotion that ranges in intensity from mild irritation to fury or rage. Anger is a natural response to situations that we feel are threatening or unfair, or when our needs, desires or goals are not being met.
Anger becomes a problem when it is felt too intensely, too frequently or is expressed inappropriately. Intense, chronic anger places extreme physical strain on the body. Your blood pressure and heart rate increase and stay elevated for long periods. This type of stress can produce hypertension, heart disease and diminished immune system efficiency.
"He who angers you, conquers you."
Terrance Clarke, MS, is a Certified Anger Management Specialist-1 with over 20 years of counseling experience. He is certified as a "Thinking for a Change" group facilitator by the National Institute of Corrections.
Copyright 2020 Delaware Anger Management LLC. All rights reserved.
234 Philadelphia Pike, Suite 4
Wilmington, DE 19809
Phone: 302-765-2690