WHAT IS ANGER<BR>Emotional response triggered by an interpretation of a situation that a threat is or may be present, and is physiological and biological. Changes in heart beat, energy hormones and blood pressure, adversely affecting health.<P>DEALING WITH ANGER<BR>1. SUPPRESSION<BR>aware but unable to express, and stop thinking about the feelings.<P>turning the anger inwards and on yourself. Leads to hypertension or depression. passive-aggressive behaviour (hostility and cynicism)<P>2. REPRESSION<BR>unaware there is angry feelings, and have pushed it out of consciousness to subconsciouness or numbing. Leads to post-traumatic stress disorder or recurrent dreams some time later.<P>3. EXPRESSION<BR>Healthiest way is to express in an exertive, non-aggressive way where you clearly state your needs and how they can be met.<P>ANGER MANAGEMENT<BR>1. communication<BR>think through your responses before you react and avoid jumping to conclusions too quickly.<BR>2. relaxation<BR>learn to unwind and take up leisure activities such as exercises<BR>3. deep breathing<BR>inhale and exhale and put your palm to your diaphragm to feel the rythmic motions. Concentrate on the breathing.<BR>4. humour<BR>visualise OW/OM as a two pound s*it in a one pound bag, for eg. <BR>5. cognitive restructuring<BR>make changes to your thought patterns, eg, don't curse or swear but learn how to explain the situation logically. It is a more productive way of getting the points across.<BR>6. Rewarding your better actions<BR>stop clenching teeth or fists, think of regretful actions, leave the scene, reflect and give yourself a pat on the bcak for not acting out the anger.<BR>7. choice is yours<BR>what you do with the emotion is really your choice<BR>8. live and let live<BR>life will always be full of pain, disappointments, frustrations, loss, unpredictable actions by others, learn to let go.<BR>9. calm down<BR>learn to repair your body through rest, relaxation, and deep breathing methods.<BR>10. caring support<BR>friends and other support groups to help you heal the stresses of life<BR><p>[This message has been edited by weep (edited October 06, 2000).]

Not to be lost...<P>I put it in as a link in the <A HREF="http://pages.ivillage.com/re/mb_nsr/MB_NPT.html" TARGET=_blank>Notable Posts/Threads</A> post.<P> <P>Jim

Weep: Thank you! This is wonderful. I also practice a very similar *game plan* to release/deal with my anger.<P>NSR: Thank you for adding it to the notable thread. I'm sure several people will benefit from this healthy/helpful information.<P>Peace, ~Marie