Anger: things that may help right away
Ways to safely work through anger
- step away from the situation at hand
- try counting to 10
- try some breathing exercises. For more information, visit the NHS webpage on breathing exercises for stress
- try relaxation techniques. For example, the Feeling Good app can help relax your body and mind with a series of audio tracks. For more information, visit the Feeling Good app website
- do some exercise. Exercise can be good for getting rid of angry energy. Even going for a short walk will take you out of the situation
- use up energy in other ways that do not hurt yourself or others. For example, you could try tearing up a newspaper, hitting a pillow or smashing ice cubes in a sink
- do something with your hands. Creative activities such as making something, colouring or writing can help to distract yourself mentally and physically
- take a cold shower
- make sure to look after your body. Are you hungry, thirsty or tired?
- speak to someone who is not directly connected to the situation. This can help you to understand why you're angry and calm down
There’s always someone to talk to for free:
over the phone. If you're struggling to cope, or feel overwhelmingly low, Open Door has a mental health helpline. Call 0800 138 7276, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
in person. Open Door also provides a mental health daytime safe haven in the centre of Stockport that you're welcome to visit. To find more information about their opening times, visit the Open Door Facebook page. Call 0161 549 9717 before visiting if you can
online. To talk to a qualified professional or other people in the community, you can:
- Sign up to Kooth if you're between 10 and 25 years old. Visit the Kooth website
- Sign up to Qwell if you're 26 years old or over. Visit the Qwell website
Help if you think your behaviour is abusive
If you’re worried about some of your behaviours and want to take steps to change them, Respect Phoneline may be able to help. For more information, visit the Respect Phoneline website.