March is typically known as the month that "comes in like a lion and out like a lamb." But what about you? Are you more lion than lamb? Here's a quick quiz, courtesy of: Of Course You’re Angry: A Guide to Dealing with the Emotions of Substance Abuse by Gayle Rosellini and Mark Worden, Copyright 1985, 1997 by Hazelden Foundation. Reprinted by permission of Hazelden Foundation, Center City, MN.
1. I don’t show my anger about everything that makes me mad, but when I do – look out.
True False
2. I still get angry when I think of the bad things people did to me in the past.
True False
3. Waiting in line, or waiting for other people, really annoys me.
True False
4. I fly off the handle easily.
True False
5. I often find myself having heated arguments with the people who are closest to me.
True False
6. I sometimes lie awake at night and think about the things that upset me during the day.
True False
7. When someone says or does something that upsets me, I don’t usually say anything at the time, but later spend a lot of time thinking up cutting replies I could and should have made.
True False
8. I find it very hard to forgive someone who has done me wrong.
True False
9. I get angry with myself when I lost control of my emotions.
True False
10. People really irritate me when they don’t behave the way they should, or when they act like they don’t have the good sense of a head of lettuce.
True False
11. If I get really upset about something, I have a tendency to feel sick later, either with a weak spell, headache, upset stomach, or diarrhea.
True False
12. People I've trusted have often let me down, leaving me feeling angry or betrayed.
True False
13. When things don’t go my way, I get depressed.
True False
14. I am apt to take frustration so badly that I cannot put it out of my mind.
True False
15. I've been so angry at times I couldn't remember things I said or did.
True False
16. After arguing with someone, I hate myself.
True False
17. I've had trouble on the job because of my temper.
True False
18. When riled up, I often blurt out things I later regret saying.
True False
19. Some people are afraid of my bad temper.
True False
20. When I get angry, frustrated or hurt, I comfort myself by eating or using alcohol or other drugs.
True False
21. When someone hurts or frustrates me, I want to get even.
True False
22. I've gotten so angry at times that I've become physically violent, hitting other people or breaking things.
True False
23. At times, I've felt angry enough to kill.
True False
24. Sometimes I feel so hurt and alone I feel like committing suicide.
True False
25. I’m a really angry person, and I know I need help learning to control my temper and angry feelings because it has already caused me a lot of problems.
True False
Score all of the above, and following these guidelines:
Score Interpretation10 or more, or any of the last 4 questions TrueAnger Management Problem: Help Required5 - 9Normal Anger Management Skills: Clinical Help May be Useful0 - 4Better than Normal Anger Management Skills
Scores on this test are not meant as a diagnosis tool. You should not take this score to represent a mental disorder diagnosis or any type of behavioral healthcare treatment recommendation. Always consult with a trained mental health professional if you are experiencing feelings, thoughts or difficulties that cause you or people you love to be concerned.
So, how did you score? If you are uncertain, you can always ask a loved one to score this test for you. If a loved one has mentioned that your responses are a issue, it may be time to consider whether you are in control of your anger or if the anger controls you.
Don't worry, you are not alone. This is a very stressful world we live in, and our responses are sometimes hard to regulate. A trained mental health professional can help meet you where you're at and find solutions that work for you. Some people like to meditate to calm down; some like to box or run. Every one is an individual and needs treatment to suit him or her. Need more info? Feel free to email me at dawn@bellmentalhealth.com. Hang in there! You CAN control your anger, not the other way around.
What are you waiting for? Love the life you live!
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