If you see RED… S.T.O.P  


If you are:

-Losing control

-Getting angry / aggressive / tense / irritated

 -At risk of losing more than your temper

S.T.O.P

SEPARATE– yourself from the situation, gain space. You know where this will end up if you keep going. If you run a red light you, and others, can get hurt. Seriously.

TIME OUT – take time to calm down. It can take up to 4 hours once a trigger has been activated.

OBSERVE – yourself, internalise your awareness. HALT are you Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. Each of these can affect our emotions and reactions

PATIENCE -with yourself and others, proceed with care and caution. The other party may be struggling to come to terms with what has happened. They could be hurt, depressed, angry or frightened.

If you think you have nothing to lose you are wrong

ADVICE & TIPS

• Go for a walk or run or swim. Take some exercise, preferably outside.
•  Shout at the wind.
•  Breathe  deep into your lower abdomen.
•  Drink water – not alcohol, that will make it worse not better.
•  Have a long soak in the bath.
•  Call a friend/counsellor.
•  Enrol on a stress and anger management course