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Dear Medical/Health Reporter,

To steal from a famous movie line: Are you mad as hell and not going to take it any more?

Every day the news and our personal lives bear witness to angry moments. Anger is a powerful emotion that manifests itself in everything from road rage to school violence to abuse of power and authority. Unresolved hostility can also destroy a person’s self-esteem.

It’s important to seek help to deal with personal anger. New studies show that it may feed upon itself. In one study, people who vented their fury on inanimate objects, such as pillows and punching bags, actually grew madder.

Anger can become a positive emotion if handled correctly. For example, anger can be constructive when it is the impetus that makes us attempt to change something in our lives. As a service to your community, the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Division of Independent Practice would like to offer a psychologist in your area to speak with you on this topic. He/she can discuss ways to manage anger to reduce both the emotional feelings and the physiological arousal that anger causes. Remember: You can't get rid of, or avoid, the things or the people that enrage you, nor can you change them, but you can learn to control your reactions.

Psychologists are experts at helping people find their way through life’s difficulties. Your readers can call toll-free 1-877-603-4000 for a free brochure called "Straight Talk – Choosing a Psychologist." Readers can also use this number for the name of a licensed psychologist in their area. APA’s Division of Independent Practice represents independent psychologists, each of whom is a doctoral level professional licensed by his or her particular state. When you need to talk to someone who can help, you need an experienced, licensed psychologist.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,