I know there's a financial crisis across the world, but how is it for your family and friends?  And how is it affecting your relationships?  I have been working recently with a group of long term unemployed and young homeless people.  Both groups have a lot to say about the world as they see it, and, as expected, it's not a rosy one.  However, not every deals with their situation with the same emotional response.

For some,  the conventionally anticipated aggressive anger is displayed very clealry.  Every interaction includes a reminder that the world is unfair, that they have been dealt a poor hand, that the only defence mechanism available is blame.  

For others, the response is less predictable.  Turning the anger on themselves, the suppressed anger turns to depression, addictions and withdrawal from emotional connection with people around them.

I was wondering how I might react, and whether it is possible to predict how others might behave when finances are the key worry of the day.  I don't know if we can predict how we will express our anger.  At Beating Anger Birmingham, we believe that when we feel anger, it needs to be recognised, appreciated and understood.  We need to recognise the other emotions that may be hidden by the anger - such as sadness, hurt and shame.  And appreciate that the basis for the anger may well be fear.  Fear of the unknown, fear of not being respected by others, fear that we may lose our close relationships.  

Only then can we chose how to express that anger.  Through clear conflict resolution processes, through appreciating and listening to others, perhaps by using the passion in anger to get up and do something positive.  Make a change in our lives for the better.

Sounds easy, doesn't it?  Let me know what you think.  And have a look at the range of courses we have at Beating Anger Birmingham.  Real personal development opportunities, courses that will save relationships, and information on the site which we hope will help you toward a healthier expression of all emotions.