Anger
Anger is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. It is a natural response to being attacked, insulted, deceived or frustrated. Sometimes, excessive anger can also be a symptom of some mental health problems. Anger can give a large surge of energy that makes you react in ways that you normally wouldn’t. When it gets out of control it turns into rage that can have very negative consequences for you and those around you.
Anger is an emotional state that has a bad rap. It can be a sign of serious psychological diagnoses such as major depression or bipolar. People who have been experiencing anger for a long time may have lost the ability to see that there are different levels of anger and a professional will help you readdress this imbalance and recognize the difference between, for example, irritation and fury.
Psychotherapy is a valuable tool for people who need help controlling their anger. With psychotherapy, a person who struggles with anger can learn what lies at the root of their frustration and rage. It empowers a client to face uncertain and stressful circumstances with control and emotional balance that benefits their mental and physical health and the well-being of those around them.
Negative effects of anger
- It hurts your physical health. Chronic anger makes you more susceptible to heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, a weakened immune system, insomnia, and high blood pressure.
- It causes lasting scars in the people you love most and gets in the way of your friendships and work relationships.
- It consumes huge amounts of mental energy and clouds your thinking, making it harder to concentrate, see the bigger picture, and enjoy life.
- It can also lead to stress, depression, and other mental health problems.
How to manage anger
- Simple relaxation tools, such as deep breathing and relaxing imagery, can help calm down angry feelings. Deep, slow breathing helps counteract rising tension
- Identify the negative thought patterns that trigger your temper
- Avoid people, places, and situations that bring out your worst
- In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to say something you’ll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything
- As soon as you’re thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but nonconfrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.
The benefits of psychotherapy for anger
- You may feel happier and more confident
- It helps to improve relationships
- It enables you to learn specific skills to help you manage triggers for anger effectively.
- Gain understanding which enables you to act more effectively in challenging situations
- It teaches you how to relax, how to stay calm and be peaceful when you feel a surge of anger.
- It helps you learn some problem-solving techniques.
- It fully embrace your life
Through anger psychotherapy you can experience a non-judgmental, honest clear and supportive approach which opens the door to experiencing yourself in a different way and using anger constructively, in a way which empowers you to live your life.
