Violent behavior, toward oneself and others, can result from anger. It is one way that people express anger and try to control the situations that they find themselves in—but violence is never a positive or constructive way to deal with your emotions.
Tips for breaking the cycle of violence
The key is to first take control of situations that make you angry and manage your reaction to frustration. Here are some tips to get started:
Use your anger as a signal. The next time you feel angry, stop and count to 10. Then think about the situation you’re in and why it’s making you feel this way. Tell yourself, “I can calm down.”
Think about the things that trigger your anger. Once you understand the things that trigger your anger, you can better prepare yourself for those situations. Take time to think about the situation. Talk to someone to help you clarify the situation and work through your emotions. Once you are calm and ready, talk to the person who is making you angry and try to understand each other.
Respect others’ opinions and reactions. It is important to remember that you can only control your reactions to situations and you can’t control the other person’s. Although you may not agree, it is still best to express yourself and share your feelings.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.
