Anger has a tendency to build silently outside of awareness. It starts like the hum of a refrigerator you can hear but don’t notice. You realize it’s there only after it has grown too big and difficult to manage. By learning your anger warning signs, you can get better at spotting your anger while it’s still small.
Our Anger Warning Signs worksheet helps your clients spot the many ways they react to anger, enabling them to intervene sooner. The handout includes 24 common anger symptoms as well as space for clients to fill in their own. Examples of symptoms include:
- My mind goes blank.
- My face turns red.
- I clench my fists.
- My heart races.
Ask clients to circle the symptoms that apply to them while emphasizing the importance of subtle warning signs that occur at the earliest stages of anger.
It can be helpful to discuss how triggers may act as a warning sign (e.g., “I often get angry when…”). This tool is also a great companion to Anger Thermometer, which asks clients to group their warning signs based on the intensity of their anger.
