Anger

DISCLAIMER: Dawson McAllister Live does not engage in professional counseling of any sort. The resources that you are about to view are for support and guidance only. They are not intended to give authoritative advice, nor should they be seen as a replacement for professional counseling. These resources are best seen as a beginning point for those who are interested in getting help.

WARNING: The audio clips and stories contained in these resources may cause emotional pain to those who are struggling with the issues discussed.

Welcome to The HopeLine Virtual Coach for the issue of anger. Below you will find stories, information, and resources dealing with the issue. Before you get started with the Virtual Coach, please listen to a DMLive caller talk to Dawson about their struggle with anger. To hear the call, please click here.


James’ Story
James sat in the principal’s office. With blood on his shirt and a wet towel pressed to his nose, James can still feel the anger. His neck is tense, he is breathing fast, and he notices that his teeth are still a little clinched. Today James became very angry when a classmate accidentally bumped in the hallway. James doesn’t remember much after the incident. He knows that he felt rage like he had not felt before. The result was a fight between James and the other boy. James left with a bloody nose, but his classmate was hurt pretty badly. James has been noticing that his anger has been flaring up more and more lately. At home, with his friends, and even with his girlfriend James has very little patience with anyone. Typically he deals with his anger by leaving the room or yelling back, but today was different. It was as if James did not have control over his actions. The thought of his parents arriving at the school to pick him up today makes James feel even worse. As he sat in the principal’s office James begins to feel guilty about his actions and wonders if he is losing control, or going crazy. James is afraid because he really does not want to hurt anybody, he just needs help controlling his anger before he does something else that he will regret.

Your Story
Anger is an emotion that we all feel from time-to-time. The truth is that there is nothing wrong with anger. It can be a very appropriate and even helpful emotion. The problem comes when our anger leads us to say and do things that we ought not say or do. In James’ case, he is in trouble now because he could not control his anger. James has struggled with anger for quite awhile. In fact, he notices a pattern to his behavior. First, he begins to feel stress over an issue. If he is able to deal with the stress in a positive manner, then he is fine. If, however, he does not deal with the stress quickly he begins to feel frustrated and angry. By this time, he recognizes that he is in trouble because the anger builds and builds until it comes out. When it comes out it is typically damaging. Finally, James sometimes feels bad about how his anger has affected others. Dealing with the guilt is difficult and James wants to break the cycle.

Are you like James? Does your anger sometimes get you in trouble with your parents, friends, teachers, or others? Do you feel like you are losing control when you are angry? If so, then this Virtual Coach is just for you. Hope exists and help is available. Return to the Virtual Coach Menu.