If you see these
immediate warning signs, violence is a serious possibility:
- loss of temper on a daily basis
- frequent physical fighting
- significant vandalism or property damage
- increase in use of drugs or alcohol
- increase in risk-taking behavior
- detailed plans to commit acts of violence
- announcing threats or plans for hurting others
- enjoying hurting animals
- carrying a weapon
If you notice the following signs over a period of time,
the potential for violence exists:
- a history of violent or aggressive behavior
- serious drug or alcohol use
- gang membership or strong desire to be in a gang
- access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns
- threatening others regularly
- trouble controlling feelings like anger
- withdrawal from friends and usual activities
- feeling rejected or alone
- having been a victim of bullying
- poor school performance
- history of discipline problems or frequent run-ins with
authority
- feeling constantly disrespected
- failing to acknowledge the feelings or rights of others
Everyone feels anger in his or her own way. Start managing it
by recognizing how anger feels to you.
When you are angry, you probably feel:
- muscle tension
- accelerated heartbeat
- a "knot" or "butterflies" in your stomach
- changes in your breathing
- trembling
- goose bumps
- flushed in the face
You can reduce the rush of adrenaline that's
responsible for your heart beating faster, your voice sounding louder, and your fists
clenching if you:
- Take a few slow, deep breaths and concentrate on your
breathing.
- Imagine yourself at the beach, by a lake, or anywhere that
makes you feel calm and peaceful.
- Try other thoughts or actions that have helped you relax in
the past.
Keep telling yourself:
- "Calm down."
- "I don't need to prove myself."
- "I'm not going to let him/her get to me."
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