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'Get assertive, not angry' Tuesday, 30 January, 2001, 00:36 GMT - Keeping a lid on your temper can actually lead to real physical health problems, says mental health charity Mind. Mind has now produced a new booklet to help people deal with anger as it says pent-up emotions can often lead to ulcers, raised blood pressure, a depleted immune system and make people more sensitive to pain. The charity has found that people who continually bottle up their feelings can become depressed, suffer addictions and bully others as their anger finds different outlets. While it is not advocating violent temper tantrums, Mind does want people to learn to channel their anger more positively to one of the body's natural responses. "Don't get angry - get assertive" is the message from Mind's new booklet, and it says that dealing properly with anger can actually lead to better mental and physical health. Julia MacPherson, of Mind, explained that many people have been brought up to suppress their anger, but that continuously bottling up angry feelings can also lead to problems. Releasing tension She said releasing tension in a controlled way keeps bodies and minds balanced. "Anger is a problem that can effect everyone, not just people with mental health problems. "It is better to learn how to use anger in a more productive and constructive way. Express your anger in an assertive, rather than destructive way, and you will help maintain your mental health," she said. "If we have to bottle up our feelings over a long period, then the energy has to go somewhere: it can turn inwards and cause us all sorts of problems." Mind says dealing with angry feelings will lead to better self-esteem, better communication with others and help defuse tensions. The booklet advises people to look after their general health, examine their behaviour problems and walk away from situations where they feel they can't control themselves. "How to...deal with anger" is available from Mind Publications, 15-19 Broadway, London E15 4BQ, priced £1 plus 40 post and packaging. Related to this story: Call for mental health law repeal (25 Jan 01 | Scotland) Exercise 'could halt mental decline' (16 Jan 01 | Health) Surge in mental disorders predicted (09 Jan 01 | Health) Crisis grows in young minds (08 Nov 00 | Health) Mental health staffing crisis (11 Jul 00 | Health) Internet links: Royal College of Psychologists Mind BBC News Online: Health http://news.bbc.co.uk/low/english/health/newsid_1142000/1142537.stm janet paterson, an akinetic rigid subtype parkie 53 now / 44 dx cd / 43 onset cd / 41 dx pd / 37 onset pd TEL: 613 256 8340 SMAIL: PO Box 171 Almonte Ontario K0A 1A0 Canada EMAIL: [log in to unmask] URL: http://www.geocities.com/janet313/