Identifying Your Anger Triggers

Rather than handling anger issues after they’ve risen to the surface, it is far better to prevent an angry outburst from happening in the first place. To circumvent anger, you have to be consciously aware of the triggers that cause it to erupt. Therefore, to cut off the anger process early, a solid understanding of your triggers is essential. If you need to take court ordered anger management classes, this work is covered in most courses, but here are some helpful tips to get started.

Triggers Are Unique to Each Person

There are many ways that our automatic defenses can be triggered; those triggers are usually different from person to person, based on individual life experiences. For example, if you were bullied during your childhood, your triggers will be intense towards someone who is controlling, abusive, or threatening.

Here are some common triggers to anger:

·         Injustice

·         Disrespect

·         Labeling, Shaming, or Blaming

·         Lying

·         Violation of Personal Space

·         Abusive Language

·         Physical Threats

·         Lack of Control

·         Relationship Disputes

Court ordered anger management classes assist with information on how to deal with the triggers, but we must realize what our triggers are in the first place. We need to become aware of what issues in our lives promote a high alert vigilance response in our brains and send us over the edge. Once we identify our triggers, it is beneficial to determine why these triggers cause such an emotionally charged response.