It is natural to get angry because we are human. But the degree of anger expression varies from person to person. Some people have extreme powerful feelings that they become very aggressive to the point of yelling loudly and hitting to get back at those that have angered them. This is not good. There are civilised ways of expressing anger. Controlling anger should start from childhood. BETTY AMUKPO speaks with some kids and teens on how they suppress anger.
‘I have found out that walking away from the situation works better’
There are various ways I control my anger. If it’s my baby sister that makes me angry, I take a deep breath and work away or I report to my mother. If it’s my mum, I watch cartoon on TV or play games on my computer to help me calm down. If it’s my dad I will report to my mother who comforts me and usually take a walk with me to calm me down. But I have found out that walking away from the situation works better.
‘I control my anger when I am asked to calm down’
I control my anger when: • I get what I want. • Someone promises to give me a gift. • I am asked to calm down. • I watch a funny cartoon/film. • I laugh with my friends. • I read books/novels. • I take a time out. • I am called sweet names • I am showered with praises.
‘I silently spell the word STOP continuously’
I control my anger by doing any of the followings:
1. I stop talking and take deep breath.
2. I take a step back and walk away from the scene.
3. I say the Glory be to God continuously until I calm down.
4. I silently spell the word STOP continuously.
5. I pick up my Biro and exercise book and write Psalm 23: Verse 1. Or any word that comes to mind until I calm down. It was a form of punishment from my Grandma, when I throw a tantrum or become noisy, but today, it is helping me to control my anger. •
In controlling my anger I do a lot of things such as leaving that environment where I got annoyed; talking to people to get the thought out of my mind; not taking any decision at that time; simple relaxation such as deep breathing and imagination of good things to ease my temper.
‘Imagination of good things to ease my temper’
‘Listening to music’
When I get angry I go to an elderly one and express my feeling, also I control my anger by playing some tunes which means listening to music or radio , I can also control my anger by counting down, taking a deep breath and laughing with my friends.
‘I try not to dwell on what made me angry’
How do I control my anger? If you notice I am angry and in a low mood, I never try to solve a problem, it will go by itself. I count down 1 to 100; I take responsibility of anger; I mind my thoughts; I try not to dwell on what made me angry. I engage in any chores around me.
‘I walk away’
In life when we fail to manage our anger it can lead to a variety of problems that most times at the end we feel remorseful and regretful. Well, I have not gotten to that point, but I remember when my dad was having an argument with a friend, it got to a point that my dad just walked away. Thus, I walk away, just like my dad did; I pray the rosary to reduce the tension; I Just keep quiet; talk to someone; do breathing exercises.
‘The book of Ecclesiastes 7:9: “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools,” calms me’
Controlling my anger is based on some Bible verses which my mummy do make me read. One of the verses I like the most and calms me is in the book of Ecclesiastes 7:9 which says: “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.” This verse always redirect my anger. Also, my mummy do tell me human beings are not the same and I should give everyone the respect his or she deserves.
‘I hum my favourite songs’
To control my anger, I do one or two of the following: Count down (or up) to 10; take a deep breathe; go for a walk; seek an elder for counseling; pray and read the Bible; distract myself by engaging in something I enjoy; I Ignore and let go; I try and keep myself busy; I hum my favourite songs; I blow up a balloon and deflate it.
‘I can calm my nerves and reduce anger by riding my bicycle’
I control anger by talking slowly and taking deep breaths. I can calm my nerves and reduce anger by riding my bicycle. I crack a joke. Watch my favorite cartoon
