Road Rage and Other Negative Effects

Road Rage is a big problem in today's society and can only have negative effects if not controlled.

Are you a road demon on the roads?

• Do you leave your anger for the roads?
• Are you a positive road demon who likes to get their way all the time and won't allow anyone else to have the right of way?
• Do you become mad if someone cuts you off or does something they're not supposed to?
• Are you prone to bouts of road rage?

These are all good questions which you might want to think about answering because it could mean that you have a large problem on your hands.

If you give in to your anger while you're still behind the wheel, it's dangerous for everyone. If you allow the person in the hot new convertible that just cut you off to push your buttons and make you mad, you are allowing someone else to dictate and control your life. This is not good.

Remind yourself that getting angry behind the wheel is an automatic, natural response when being cut off, etc. In most cases, your anger quickly fades after your initial rant. During the critical 5 to 7 initial seconds after the "offending" event, use breathing tricks, count to 10, sing, etc. to control your emotions. By trying these simple methods, you can make sure your anger doesn't get out of control.

Is someone else bearing the brunt of your anger?

Are you the type of person to bear your anger in at the time when it happens, and then to come home - or somewhere you feel comfortable - and then take it all out on someone you love?

This kind of anger coping can be very therapeutic, but only if the person who is on the other end taking the brunt of your anger is able to handle it themselves.

If they are feeling misused or maligned for being the target of your undeserved anger, you have to admit that this is probably not the best way to go. Would you like to be set upon by someone when you haven't done anything wrong?

If your outbursts, rages or bullying are negatively affecting relationships with family, friends, co-workers and even complete strangers, it's time to change the way you express your anger.

Just remember, there are varying degrees of anger.

For example, it may upset you that your television remote control doesn't work and you throw it across the room. If that covers the extent of your anger, your anger management issues are minimal and you can easily learn to control your anger.

On the other hand, if you have had altercations with the police, you have physically harmed someone, people around you are afraid of your reactions, or you constantly try to intimidate others with your anger, you can certainly benefit from more extensive anger management.

No matter the degree of anger you face, you can learn how to get a grip on it.

• Think before you speak
• Count to 10
• Just walk away until you have had a chance to think things through.