Explore anger by scrolling through the page or simply select an option from the drop down if you wish to jump to the relevant section of the page:
What is anger?
Anger is a normal human emotion that we are all likely to experience at some time. It can be triggered by a range of things including feeling:
Let down by someone
Unfairly treated
Threatened
Or are under a lot of stress
When we are feeling angry our bodies respond in different ways, some of the physical signs you may observe include:
A racing heart beat
Your muscles feeling tense
Clenching your fists
Tightness in your chest
Feeling hot and sweaty
Emotional responses can include:
Feeling tense or nervous
Struggling to relax
Easily irritated by other people
Anger can sometimes be a positive emotion; it is part of our fight or flight response which helps to keep us safe when we are feeling threatened. Anger becomes a problem when it gets out of control and harms you or other people around you.
If anger is becoming a problem then it is important to learn skills to manage your anger and/or seek help. Visit our Helplines section for more information.
Self-help advice to manage anger
There are things you can do to help manage your anger
Identify the things that trigger your feelings of anger. Learn to recognise the signs that you are beginning to get angry. If possible, take yourself out of the situation, go for a walk or count to 10 before you react.
Try relaxation and breathing exercises. See our videos below.
Distract yourself with activities you enjoy.
Find out more about anger and how it can be managed. See our self-help resources below.
Learn new skills to manage anger. See our self-help courses below.
Some people find physical activity really helpful in managing their anger. Visit our physical activity topic for more information and advice.
You don’t need to experiences these feelings alone. If you feel your anger is getting out of control, talk to someone you trust or make contact with a free support service. See our Helplines section below. If you or someone you know needs urgent help – go to our urgent help page immediately.
If you need further help managing anger
If the information, advice, resources and courses on this page have not been helpful and/or you think you need more help, there are many free support services available.
If you live in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area, and are aged over 18, you can make an appointment with a Psychological Health Practitioner (PHP) or GP by contacting your local GP surgery. PHPs are NHS mental health practitioners who provide a free service for people experiencing mild to moderate mental health problems.
If you are under 18 or worried about someone aged under 18 and need urgent advice/self-referral to local mental health and wellbeing services in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area, contact SPACE-Wellbeing.
Or alternatively contact another approved helpline. Some services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Last updated: 16.12.2022
Share this page with a friend
If you think this page can help a loved one, please share it through the options below.
The services listed below will be able to provide you with more advice on managing anger. Or visit our helplines page for details of more services.
C.A.L.L. Mental Health Listening Line
Community Advice & Listening Line
Provides a confidential mental health listening and emotional support line which is open 24/7. CALL can also signpost to support in local communities and a range of online information.
If you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to, Samaritans will listen. You can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 116 123 (free from any phone) or email[email protected].
You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line (free from any phone) on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
Childline – for children and young people under 19
Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you.
Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.
Call on 0800 1111 – the number will not show up on your phone bill.
Sharing is caring. If you think this page can help a loved one, please share it through the options below.
Top related topics
Stress
If stress is affecting your life in a negative way there are things you can try to help yourself. Here is a collection of materials to help you cope with high stress levels.
We all feel low or fed up from time to time. Feeling down usually lasts a couple of days or weeks, and then our mood returns to normal. We've collated resources to help you with those low mood feelings to help you manage.