I Just Get So... Angry!

by Timothy Bowden, Sandra Bowden

Today's adolescents struggle with a range of issues, from anger and low self-esteem to depression and anxiety. In fact, research suggests that at any given time around 10 per cent of students will be suffering from a mental health issue that directly impacts on their education and health. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (the subject of Dr Russ Harris's bestselling The Happiness Trap) has been proven to be effective in teaching young people effective, flexible strategies for dealing with the stressors in their life and, as in I Just Want to be ... Me!, these principles are once again brought to life in graphic novel form. By following the main character, Andy, through his encounter with the Beast (symbolising his inner anger, hurt, fear and resentment), teenagers will learn how to similarly deal with their own issues and develop a more resilient mental attitude and achieve better emotional balance. "The book, written in almost comic form about a serious subject, is well presented, well, written and ideal for any parent dealing with a teenager." - Oamaru Mail

Genres: Graphic Novels

112 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2013

About the author

I was a high school English and History teacher for 14 years before retraining as a school counsellor.

I'm married and live on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia. Other occupants of the house include two cats and a cheeky house rabbit.

Reviews

[Different Is Beautiful · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about how to coming over grief ,fear, loneliness,sadness,and other strong emotions that are hard to over come

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an online eBook, and thought it was terrific. Each caption / page came up clearly and was fascinating to read, with gentle humour and captivating illustrations.
Some wonderful take-away messages that slowly unfold:

'You aren't your thoughts. Just because you think something, doesn't necessarily make it so'. (Sea Eagle to Andy)
When overwhelmed by thoughts /anxiety, say to self:
I notice I am having this thought (it gives you breathing space to reject the thought or act on it). Thoughts can blind you or weigh you down... you are choosing to act on anger or alternatively, choosing to act on your values.. you have a choice about what you do and who you want to be.
Anger masks other feelings like loneliness, fear, self loathing - so you don't have to face or challenge those feelings.
In defeating anger, you make the time to stop reacting and start acting according to the person you want to be.

end section of book gives strategies
www.actonpurpose.com.au

[Quinn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unintentionally hiliarious. Please give it a read if you get the time.