Anger is a normal feeling that we all experience.  It is an instinctive response to feeling threatened. When we become angry our bodies change to meet the threat: tense muscles, pumping heart, etc.

Words you may use to talk about anger include: rage, mad, wound up, furious

• Anger is often a sign that something is not right.
• Anger can let you know that you are being hurt, physically or emotionally.
• Anger can also tell you that your needs are not being met.

If something is happening that is wrong you may feel angry. Anger is just an emotion which is neither good nor bad, it is what you do with it that counts.

However, anger can have unwanted side effects.  Anger can lead to difficulties in relationships, health problems, poor work performance, and difficulties with “the authorities”.  Anger is also connected with aggression and violence.  Aggression is an action that is intended to cause injury, harm or damage, whilst anger is an emotion.

Have a read of our anger management workbook which describes what anger is in more detail.

If you feel that anger is a problem for you and if you are registered with a Newcastle GP, then you can enrol on to one of our anger management classes, just click here to join