Explains anger, giving practical suggestions for what you can do and where you can go for support. Also includes advice for friends and family.
There are various treatments available that can help you with your anger problems. This page covers:
If your difficulties with anger are related to a mental health problem and/or traumatic experiences then you might find that treatment and support for this also addresses your anger. (See our A-Z of mental health for information on treatments and support for different diagnoses and experiences).
Under 18? Read our tips on anger for young people
Talking therapy and counselling involves talking about your problems with a trained professional (such as a counsellor or psychotherapist) who can help you explore the causes of your anger and ways to manage it. This can help you work through your feelings and improve your responses to situations that make you angry.
There are different types of talking therapies, and some are specifically tailored to anger issues.
For more information about different kinds of talking treatments and how they can help, see our pages on talking therapies.
"Talking, talking, talking over many years has helped immensely. Now I don't bottle it all up inside."
To access most treatments, the first step is usually to talk to your GP.
In some areas, you can also self-refer for counselling through the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme.
(See our pages on seeking help for a mental health problem for tips on how to talk to your doctor about your mental health.)
"I get angry when I don't get the help I need. That worsens my mental health so I feel more anxious and frustrated."
These are a specific kind of talking treatment for people who struggle with anger issues. They often involve working in a group, but may involve one-to-one sessions. They may use a mixture of counselling and CBT techniques. You can try:
If your anger means you're acting in an abusive or violent way it's important to get help. You might feel worried that asking for help will get you in trouble, but it is often the most important first step towards changing your behaviour. You can contact:
This information was published in July 2018.
This page is currently under review. All content was accurate when published.
References and bibliography available on request.
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