Anger Management

If you (or someone close to you) are easily angered and prone to explosive outbursts, yelling, screaming, and losing control of your temper, toxic levels of hostility may exist. Anger can sabotage relationships, cause job failures, and kill people. Angry people are also more likely to suffer from certain physical illnesses. Condescension, verbal aggression, criticism, contempt, and sarcasm can be subtler forms of anger that will also damage relationships and ruin careers.

Take this quick true/false ANGER quiz:

  • I am often irritable and cranky.
  • I am on guard to keep others from taking advantage of me.
  • I have angry outbursts.
  • I have been neglecting previously enjoyable activities.
  • I frequently argue with family.
  • I often feel stressed and pressured, or in a rush.
  • I often feel unfairly treated or disrespected.
  • I think a lot about how to retaliate when I have been criticized.
  • It’s hard for me to wait in my car while students are crossing the street and not paying attention to traffic.
  • People avoid me at work or at home.
  • Sometimes I have been so angry I have wanted to hit someone.
  • When I am not fighting with my (partner, family member), I am fighting with someone at work.
  • When someone cuts me off in traffic, I am enraged.

If you answered true to three or more statements, you may benefit from talking to someone about learning to manage your anger. If you work at Boston University, you can call 617-353-5381 to arrange an appointment with the BU Faculty and Staff Assistance Office to speak with someone about your concerns. If you are not Faculty or Staff at Boston University, please see the listings below for help.

Listings and Websites