More People Looking for Anger Management

Is it stress? Is it drugs or alcohol, or possibly financial problems? The people who teach angermanagement seminars say whatever it is, they're seeing more and more people in their classes. But are there ways to control anger that don't involve classes?

It may be the little things that get you riled up, or maybe just the big things. But either way, anger management can be a serious problem.

"Anger gone unchecked has all kinds of serious consequences," says Turning Point anger management coordinator Lou Jean Marshall. "It can destroy relationships, it can destroy your health."

Marshall says there's a reason people come to her. "It's usually because they realize anger's causing problems for them that they don't like. Ruining relationships, or they're having health problems, or problems on the job."

Marshall says many people come in because of court orders or a nagging partner. But if you're mad and you can't seem to control that anger, Marshall says there are things you can do.

"Stop and take some deep breaths. That gives you time to think about what is it that's causing it. It also helps to get oxygen to your brain."

University of Utah psychologist Tim Smith says those 10 seconds might save you from something you'll regret later. "Imagine yourself looking at the situation as an outsider. Sometimes a little objectivity helps you calm down."

Marshall says watch what you tell yourself in those mad moments. "The things you say to yourself can either calm you down or make you more angry. So learning to control what you're saying to yourself is the key," she says.

In more serious anger situations, Smith advises reading a good book. And as parents often tell children, remember stomping your feet, yelling, and being aggressive isn't the key to getting your way.