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SAMARITANS

Freephone their Veterans Support Hub for the military community on 0808 175 3075 (24/7) or email jo@samaritans.org – to access confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts.

SHOUT

A crisis text support service for people in the military community who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis. Text CONTACT to 85258. #TextCONTACT85258

NHS 111

To access medical help fast but when it’s not a 999 emergency, telephone 111 (available 24 hours). To access information from the NHS on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living, visit the NHS website.

COMBAT STRESS

For urgent psychological support, please call 0800 1381619

SHELTER

For urgent housing support, please call 0808 800 4444

Understand the causes, signs and effects of anger and learn ways to better manage it. 

Triggers and causes of anger are personal to each of us, so how we express and manage them will be different.  

If you’re finding it hard to control your anger, our Hidden Wounds team are here to support you. 

What is anger? 

Anger is a normal, healthy emotion we all experience. It can be triggered by many situations and emotions.  

Those who have been threatened or attacked often feel powerless which can lead to anger. Feeling disrespected is another cause. So too are grief, pain, stress and guilt. 

In some situations, anger can be helpful. It can help you overcome a challenge or stand up to unfairness.  

But anger can become a problem if it becomes hard to control. Our guide to understanding anger is a good tool to use if your anger is affecting your well-being or upsetting loved ones. 

Anger can make you behave differently 

There are many ways anger shows itself. Some people become aggressive. Others may worry and beat themselves up about something. Sometimes people are cruel to loved ones.  

These behaviours can affect other areas of your life, including relationships and work. Anger can also get you into trouble with the law. 

What is the reason for your anger? 

Sometimes anger isn’t down to what’s happening in the moment. It could be due to past experiences. 

Ways to manage your anger 

Find your trigger: Anger can be triggered in many ways. It could be a place, a situation or a feeling which makes you feel angry. 

Recognise the warning signs: Before getting angry, people often feel or behave differently. Some people pace around. Others develop a headache or feel tense. Knowing your early warning signs, helps you act before you feel out of control. 

Find a coping strategy: Just as anger shows itself in different ways, coping strategies also vary between people. Some good ideas are: 

  • To help step back from your anger try a grounding technique. In your mind, list five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. 
  • Introduce a relaxing routine into your day. E.g., a daily 20-minute walk or yoga session.
  • Watch the Breathing techniques video (below) to help soothe the mind and body. 
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Three step breathing space

How to manage your anger.

Take the course