In an age of mobiles, computers, malls, automated telephones and congested roads, there is plenty for us to get angry about.

According to the British Association of Anger Management, 65 per cent of office workers have experienced office rage, more than half of us have stormed out of a shop, 71 per cent of internet users suffer net rage and the immortal words "You are being held in a queue" is likely to make more than half of us feel our blood pressure rise.

Tanya Levene, a specialist anger management therapist, who works independently and at the Allen Centre mental health day service in Hove, believes the busy lifestyles we lead today gives anger more chance to grow.

She said: "We are not giving ourselves enough time to deal with our emotions. A lot of people are reacting at the last straw rather then dealing with the initial anger."

Anger can range from mild irritation, agitation and frustration to rage. Tanya said: "Anger is a natural emotion which everybody has. It becomes a problem when it has a negative effect on our lives.

"Reasons for anger can be absolutely anything. It can be from everyday tasks like going shopping, getting on a bus, making telephone calls, being told you're being put on hold, not getting your own way and not feeling heard.

Then there is major anger, built-up rage that is deep rooted from past experiences, relationships, upbringing, road rage and bereavement.

"Anger can manifest itself in lots of different ways. It can go inward - depression self-harming, anxiety, stomach ulcers, lack of sleep, it can come out in the form of shouting, swearing and shaking, then there is physical violence, people hurting themselves by hitting walls and breaking their own property."

Tanya's five tips for controlling anger:

1. Slow down your breathing. Keep it regular and relaxed.

2. Take time out. If you feel yourself getting angry, remove yourself from the situation and take time out from your busy schedule to look after yourself.

3. Give yourself plenty of time. Stop and think. If you have got to go somewhere at a certain time, give yourself time to get there. If you have got something to do, stop and think about how you are going to do it before you rush into it.

4. Find healthy ways of expressing your anger such as writing, art or sport.

5. Don't give yourself a hard time.

If you believe you have a problem with your anger, discuss it with your GP or a mental health professional.

They may refer you to an anger management course. The Allen Centre, at 60 Sackville Gardens, Hove, runs an anger management course but places are only given on referral, subject to an assessment.

For more information about anger management, log on to the East Grinstead British Anger Management Association's web site at www.anger manage.co.uk. Alternatively, call 0845 1300 286.