Controlling Anger Before It Controls You

Gr 7 Up—Discordant screen effects and music introduce this program about what makes people angry, what is healthy vs. unhealthy anger, and how to manage the emotion. The young adult participants and an expert psychologist talk about anger as neither good nor bad. A student activist in the area of climate justice describes her ire as a passion to initiate change in society. Positive anger can also help expose and clarify problems in relationships as long as it is kept at a level that is constructive. Unhealthy anger lasts a long time and is especially concerning when the person responds to trivial situations in an extreme fashion. A psychologist also describes the dangers of turning rage inward. She lists ways to manage it, including exercise, practicing relaxation skills, and sometimes taking a timeout. Also discussed is how to know when to get help, such as when the aggravation is uncontrollable with multiple outbursts.