There are many resources and ways to get adult anger management help and, as previously noted in the case of children and teenagers, practical self-help may include using books or DVDs dedicated to the appropriate age group.
Although the root cause of an adult with anger problems can often be traced back to childhood, this is not always the case. Anger management issues may develop over many years and result from a series of unfortunate incidences and circumstances (e.g. losing one’s job and becoming long-term unemployed) or arise suddenly, especially in cases associated with trauma. Adults face daily challenges and situations which have the potential to unleash all sorts of emotions, including anger in many people.
Anger Management Books
When anger creates problems at home, at work or among friends, the individuals may benefit from reading an adult anger management book. Also, there are anger management books targeted for couples with relationship problems as well as for families.
When a family is affected, the situation can be very complex and intense because of the intricate web of relationships. Each person will have a unique and dynamic relationship with every other individual of the family, and since so many people may be involved, untangling the web of feelings and emotions may require professional help, or at least a variety of book styles to suit the different personalities involved.
However, remember that any book is useless sitting on a shelf collecting dust. What’s required is action…massive action!
Where can a person find these anger management books?
- A doctor or medical professional ought to be able to recommend suitable books. They may also have literature that is only available through the health authority.
- Some local libraries stock a reasonable selection of anger management books.
- Local and online bookstores such as Amazon. The advantage of buying online compared to the high street is that there will be a larger range of titles to choose from, plus you can shop in the privacy of your home. By browsing anger-related websites and forums, it is possible to get book recommendations or find book reviews.
Anger Management DVDs
Watching an anger management DVD might be just what it takes to start the process of breaking the cycle of anger. These types of DVD will often use a variety of reenacted scenes to demonstrate individuals acting on their anger together with advice from experts on how to handle the problems encountered. The material may ‘hit home’ especially if the scenario mirrors the viewers circumstances.
It may take watching a mother abusing a child, partners attacking each other or a family being torn apart, to realize that anger is a cancer-like disease that will develop if left unchecked. In addition, anger management DVDs will provide various practical techniques and solutions that the person can implement in their day-to-day life.
Internet
One of the best ways nowadays to track key information is by doing an Internet search using appropriate search terms such as ‘free anger management advice’, ‘how to control anger’, ‘online anger management courses’, ‘coping skills for anger’, ‘anger management forums’ or location specific searches, such as ‘anger management in Florida’ etc. Although Google is the most used search engine, others such as Bing, Yahoo or AOL will work just as well and can often yield very different but equally useful search results.
There is a wealth of anger management information covering tips, advice, self-help practices and professional services both online and offline including counseling, seminars, groups, courses and retreats. Social media sites such as Facebook allow like minded individuals to meet up via groups and share experiences and advice.
However, always remember to apply due diligence, especially where money is involved, and remember that not all information is created equally i.e. poor information is at best useless, at worse, dangerous!
Directory
Another solution you may prefer is to browse a telephone directory under sections like ‘counseling’, ‘anger management’, ‘anger control’, ‘behavior self-help’ and similar terms to see what type of groups are meeting in your area. You can then get in touch with their organizers to find out the type of help that will be included.
Social Services/Self-Help Programs
Alternatively, another way to find anger management courses in your area is through contacting a social services organization or self-help programs to see if they either sponsor them or have relevant information. There is a good chance they can point you in the right direction, as often, these programs work together and many of the staff will be familiar with sessions offered by other groups.
Otherwise you may want to contact local churches, YMCA programs, libraries or civic centers that sponsor related types of self-help classes. If they do not already offer anger management courses, they may be willing to help you organize one, or at least publicize a sign-up sheet to see if there is enough interest to warrant a class.
Doctor
Speaking to your doctor is another possibility. Depending on the severity of your condition they may suggest local help groups, medication or possibly evaluation and counseling by a therapist or trained psychiatrist.