STEPS

Anger and what you do

• Getting aggressive Some deal with their angry feelings by getting aggressive. They might scream or shout, kick or punch people or objects, or threaten others. When you get aggressive with someone, this can lead to them getting aggressive with you. The whole process can quickly spiral. Anger fuels anger. It takes two to tango. A fight needs two people to fuel it! If you can just walk away things will often calm down.
• Doing nothing at all When some people get angry, they do nothing at all. They don't express their anger. This can cause anger to lurk around and simmer away. It can pop out another time. You might even start to get down on yourself or think that you are weak or a failure for not having dealt with what made you angry. This can lead to low mood.
• Blocking it out Some people try to block out angry thoughts and feelings. They do this by drinking more, or by taking drugs. Some people get so angry with themselves that they give up caring what happens to them, and they start to take big risks. Others may feel that they deserve to be punished, and may choose to harm themselves. Angry feelings that are not expressed can be harmful long term.