Anger Tip Sheet for Professionals
Anger is a common emotional response after brain injury including: irritability, agitation, lowered tolerance.
What Anger Can Look Like
- Increased heart rate, sweating, muscle tightness, or a raised voice
- There is usually an 'on-off' quality to the anger – an explosive angry outburst one minute, but calm again shortly after
- Difficulties managing/acknowledging anger
- Blaming others for provoking anger
Accommodations
- Become aware of behaviors and physical states associated with anger
- Utilize basic anger management skills such as deep breathing, counting backwards from 10, or mindfulness techniques to aid in relaxation
- Introduce free smartphone apps such as Calm, Breathe2Relax, or Breathe for relaxation exercises
- Encourage physical activity (e.g., exercise/yoga)
- Recognize triggers for anger
While feeling anger is unavoidable, it is still possible to manage.