My short temper has driven my girl away and she won’t return until I sort it out

DEAR DEIDRE: I HAVE anger issues that have caused my relationship to break down.

It is so bad that my girlfriend won’t come back unless I sort myself out.

I get annoyed over the most trivial things and snap without thinking. I’m ashamed to admit I take it out on her. She is 29 and I am 31. I want to become a better man but I don’t know why I’ve suddenly got a short fuse.

She has moved back in with her parents and said she doesn’t want to see me or for me to contact her until I am “fixed”.

I’m frightened she’ll find somebody else before I can show her I’ve changed.

I’ve never been violent. I’m just aggressive with words.

DEIDRE SAYS: If you do not understand your behaviour, talk to your doctor. An imbalance in thyroid function can affect your mood and it’s worth seeing whether it could be down to this, or another medical explanation.

If you get the all-clear, my support pack Managing Anger will show you where to find first-class help.

A simple tip is to walk away when you feel the temperature rising and give yourself a little time to get the issue in perspective.

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