Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 2/15/2007

Question
i have spent some time looking online for anger management classes, but nothing seems appropriate. none of them even mention blackouts. there are some for road rage (i don't have that) and some for anger taken out on cops (i hate cops but I'm fine with dealing with them)there are some for court mandated anger management (i assume itsa the same as the other options, its just not optional). i really want something that could specificly help me to recognize anger signals and prevent blackouts. i did get one number that i called (it lead nowhere really) and the operator asked me if the other person involved was male or femail, so if it matters, she was my girlfriend. where could i look?
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could it still be anger even if i dont remember feeling angry before? not that i can remember very well, because i dont remember the blackout, but still, would i feel enraged before i snaped? it would make sence if it did turn out to be anger, as i do harbor a lot of it.
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hi, my name is britney. i am a senior in high school and was diegnosed with bi-polar disorder durring the spring of 8th grade. around this time i became aware of having blackouts, in witch i would beat my girlfriend and say horrible things. i cannot remember the time that passes durring these blackouts but they have ben witnessed my many people and i was wondering if there was any help? typicaly they only happen when my meds need to be uped or changed, but is there anything i could do to avoid them? maybe a type of medication specificly for blackouts or some kind of herbal remedy that works well? please help...
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Britney:

Medication can help you control your anger, which is what is actually causing the blackouts.  Medication can't eliminate them--only you can.

What is happening is you become angry and, as it builds, the anger overtakes you.  The only way to prevent this is to learn to recognize when you are upset or angry--and move away from the situation.  Practice ways of calming yourself before your anger gets to that point.

I wish there was an easier solution, but medication can only do so much.   The rest is a matter of self-control and better coping skills.
         Joyce A. Anthony
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Britney:

You brought up a very good point.  No, you don't have to be enraged at that particular moment--a simple look or word can be the last straw that is added to all the anger inside--and it causes an overload.

I would suggest you try to find some type of anger management class. This will help you to learn to express your anger, as it occurs, in an appropriated manner.  This will keep it from building up and eventually exploding.

Anger is something we all feel. It has its purpose, but it needs to be expressed appropriately.  Holding it in only causes it to eventually explode.  I wish you all the luck.
         Joyce A. Anthony

Answer
Britney:

Anger management classes are set up for all kinds of anger--because everyone expresses anger differently.  You are very unlikely to find one specifically for people who blackout.  

My best advice would be to discuss the options with your psychiatrist.  Many teen mental health programs make anger management available.  Try local hospital and law enforcement offices.  You are not a criminal, but the anger management classes are the same regardless.

         Joyce A. Anthony