Triggers
What does an "anger trigger" mean?
Something that "triggers" our anger, or causes us to feel angry.
True or False: You want to recognize your anger warning signs after you react to your anger.
False! The sooner you recognize the signs, the sooner you can use skills and calm down!
True or False: It is okay to feel angry
True! Everyone feels angry sometimes. What is important is how we deal with our anger.
True of False: Bottling up your emotions, including your anger, is a good way to deal with them.
False! We need to talk about our feelings and do activities to release our emotions.
A classmate is saying something disrespectful about your mom. What is a positive way to deal with your anger?
Walk away, tell a teacher, count to 10, visualize a happy place, Calming ask them to stop
True or False: Knowing my anger triggers can help me to manage my anger.
True! If you know something triggers you, you know that when you encounter it, you will need to use coping skills!
Name two physical warning signs of anger (things you feel in your body when you are angry)
Heart beating fast, shaking, feeling hot, upset stomach, clenched fists, face turning red, breathing fast
It is most important to:
a. Never feel angry
b. Never talk about our anger
c. Learn to deal with our anger
C
True or False: A coping skill might work for you in one situation but not in another.
True!
Jane is 11. Her friend has been saying mean things about her. When she finds out, she punches her friend. Who is in control of Jane's anger?
Jane
True or False: Everyone has the same triggers
False! Just because something makes you angry, does not mean it will make someone else angry too.
What does "anger warning signs" mean?
Cues that signal of that you are starting to feel angry.
True or False: When you are already angry it is easier to become angry at other things
True
True or false: It is important to practice using coping skills so they become easier to use when angry.
True! Repetition is important and can build habits.
Tommy was feeling very frustrated. His friend told Tommy to calm down. Tommy reacted by calling his friend mean names. How might Tommy feel about this later?
Sad, guilty, shame
True or False: Being hungry or tired can cause us to become angry more easily.
True!
Name two behavioral warning signs of anger (ways you might act when you start getting angry)
Pacing, yelling, crying, slamming doors, clenching fists, throwing things, hitting someone
Name two inappropriate ways to show anger:
Hitting or shoving others, Getting into a physical fight, throwing things, Yelling or screaming at others, Cursing
What are two coping skills you use when angry?
Whatever helps you - exercising, taking a deep breath, walking away, going on a walk, counting to ten, progressive muscle relaxation
Your mom turns off your video game in the middle of a game and tells you to go do your chores. What is an inappropriate way to respond?
Yelling at your mom, refusing to do your chores, Breaking items in your room, throwing items in your room, cursing.
Name two examples of your anger triggers.
Anything - people talking about you, people talking about your friends, losing a game, people walking slowly in front of you
Name two of your anger warning signs
Anything that lets you know you're getting angry!
What are two consequences of not managing our anger?
Getting into a fight, getting suspended, saying hurtful things, hurting ourselves, hurting our friends or loved ones, getting grounded
Name two benefits of using exercise to calm anger:
Releases muscle tension, provides a distraction, releases chemicals in the brain that make us feel relaxed, reduces the amount of stress hormones in our body
You get into a fight at school and get suspended. Now your parent is unable to go to work all week. They are stressed and struggling to fall asleep. How is your suspension impacting your parent?
Can't work, losing out on money, less food because we can't afford it, stressed (maybe about money), can't sleep, feel disappointed in you