Dealing with anger
When angry, mad, or outraged, there are a few dos and don’ts.
It is not uncommon for family members or close friends to be very angry. Anger is a natural part of the healing process.
- DO: find an outlet for your anger.
- DO: think before you speak.
- DO: allow yourself to feel angry. It’s completely natural.
- DON’T: say “I’m going to kill the person who did this!!â€
Your loved one has already experienced someone whose anger was out of control. She does not need to exert her energies to calm you down to prevent more violence.
- Say instead: “I’m angry you had to go through this. He had no right to assault you.â€
- DON’T: say “I told you he was a creep/dangerous/etc! Why did you go out with him?!?â€
Just because you’re angry doesn’t mean you can take your harmful feelings out on the victim.
- Say instead: “I wish this didn’t happen to you. It frustrates me that someone I care about has been assaulted.â€