We all get angry feelings at times, and anger is a normal emotion. Anger, however, could be said to be the worst handled emotion in society today.
Often, we do not express our anger very well, at the appropriate time, or to the right person in an appropriate manner.
We may experience anger when we feel disappointed, frustrated, hurt, or threatened and it is a powerful emotion that needs to be managed well. It can help us to survive, giving us the ability to run away or fight back when attacked or faced with an unfair situation. When it isn’t managed well it can have extremely negative effects on our family life, our work life, and our physical and mental wellbeing. It can be frightening and lead to destructive behaviour and because of this, we are often frightened of anger.
Some causes of anger can be the way we react to situations or people, or by financial or personal issues that are making us feel constantly worried. Memories from the past can make us have angry feelings and thoughts.
Some of the physical effects are found in:
- Your heart and circulatory system – leading to blocked arteries
- Your immune system – meaning you may be more likely to get flu and viruses, and take longer to recover from accidents and illnesses
- Your blood pressure – making it too high
Some emotional effects are:
- Addictions – illegal drugs and alcohol
- Depression – if the anger is turned inwards
- Compulsions – out of control behaviours from overworking, excessive cleaning or eating disorders
Anger becomes a real problem when it is easily triggered, lasts too long, and starts to affect your mood, concentration, self-esteem and more.
Some ways to manage anger are:
Speak to your GP
As with other health conditions, if you are concerned about your anger it is good to speak to your GP to discuss the options that are available to you.
Learn your triggers
Look at your patterns of behaviour and try to work out what makes you angry.
Recognise your anger
Listen to your body when angry feelings start to rise and then look at strategies that will dampen it down instead of letting it take over.
Stop and think
The old saying: ‘Hold your breath and count to ten before doing anything’, can be extremely helpful.
Take time out
When angry feelings arise, tell the person you are with that you need a few minutes to think. Leaving the room and getting some fresh air if possible, before returning, can have an incredibly positive effect.
Look at your lifestyle and overall wellbeing
Are you doing too much and struggling to cope with all the demands made upon you? Do you ever take time for yourself to relax and do things you enjoy? Are you eating a healthy balanced diet and sleeping well? Are you asking for help and would someone help with your life at work or home if you told them how you feel?