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    Got Anger? Try Naming It To Tame It

    While many people believe that how we feel and express anger is hard-wired, some scientists suggest our experience and culture help shape it. One way to get a handle on it may be to personalize it.
    by Michaeleen Doucleff Jan 28, 2019 5 minutes
    To tame your anger, it may help to take time to observe and name it.

    Over the past three years, I've had one major goal in my personal life: To stop being so angry.

    Anger has been my emotional currency. I grew up in an angry home. Door slamming and phone throwing were basic means of communication.

    I brought these skills to my 20-year marriage. "Why are you yelling?" my husband would say.

    "I'm not," I'd retort. Oh wait. On second thought: "You're right. I am yelling."

    Then three years ago, an earthquake hit our home: We had a baby girl. And all I wanted was the opposite. I wanted her to grow up in a peaceful environment — to learn other ways of handling uncomfortable situations.

    So I went to therapy. I kept cognitive behavioral therapy worksheets. I took deep breaths, counted to ten and walked out of rooms. And I even meditated at night.

    These strategies helped me

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