We all struggle with anger and in recovery, many of our angry feelings can come to the surface. Here are some healthy coping mechanisms for difficult feelings.
It’s completely normal to feel anger and rage sometimes. In fact, when we get sober and start recovery, many of the feelings that we had been repressing begin to come to the surface. This is good, as it allows us to see ourselves more clearly and begin to deal with our issues head-on. However, difficult feelings can often be extremely scary and overwhelming, especially if we don’t know what to do with them. Here are a few simple and healthy coping mechanisms for anger.
- Accept yourself and your feeling. This is the first and perhaps most important step in dealing with the difficult emotion of anger. When you fight your feelings, try to avoid them, or start to feel guilty for having them, it prevents true growth and coping. When you start to notice yourself getting angry, try to take a deep breath and accept the feeling.
- Listen to the feeling. Feelings arise in the body and mind as a mode of communication. The anger is trying to tell you something. Try to listen and get curious about what the anger might be telling you before reacting negatively or stuffing it down.
- Exercise. Sometimes, we have to take a step back from the situation or the feeling and release some of those intense emotions through exercise. Hit the gym, lift weights, or go for a run for a few minutes. Let yourself get some perspective and then come back to the problem with a clear mind.
- Seek help in therapy and groups. Talk to your therapist or group in recovery about your feelings. You’re not alone. Everyone experiences anger. It’s not the feeling that’s the problem, it’s how we react to it. Try to express yourself in healthy, open ways and let people know how you’re feeling.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 844-857-5992 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you – it’s never too late to begin taking steps towards a happier, healthier life.
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