Anger: Adults
When you get upset, do you shut down? Become emotionally unreachable? Acted passive-aggressively? Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your thoughts and not been able to shake it? Are your friends and family scared of you when you get upset? Do you intimidate other people? Have you ever broken things out of frustration? Or hit someone? Anger is a normal, healthy emotion. In fact, anger is a universal feeling. However, when anger feels out of control, it can become emotionally damaging and / or destructive. Uncontrolled anger can lead to problems at home, in the office, or in relationships.
Anger is a strong and natural emotion experienced by humans and other animals. It is characterized by feelings of displeasure, frustration, and antagonism often triggered by perceived threats, injustices, or frustrations. Anger is a normal response to certain situations and can serve as a protective mechanism, mobilizing the body's "fight or flight" response to handle perceived challenges or dangers.
Key characteristics of anger include:
- Physiological responses: When experiencing anger, the body undergoes physiological changes, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, muscle tension, and the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
- Cognitive aspects: Anger is often accompanied by negative thoughts, such as feelings of being wronged, mistreated, or disrespected. These thoughts can fuel and intensify the emotional response.
- Expressive behaviors: Anger can be expressed in various ways, ranging from mild irritation to intense rage. Expression may include verbal outbursts, aggressive behavior, or even withdrawal and silent treatment.
- Triggers: Anger can be triggered by a wide range of events or situations, including personal conflicts, perceived injustices, unmet expectations, or feeling overwhelmed.
- Duration: The duration of anger can vary from brief and fleeting to long-lasting and persistent. How long anger lasts may depend on the individual's coping mechanisms and the situation's complexity.
- Effects: Anger can have both short-term and long-term effects on individuals and relationships. In the short term, it can lead to immediate confrontations, conflicts, or aggressive behavior. Over time, chronic anger may contribute to physical and mental health problems if not managed properly.
It's important to recognize that while anger is a natural emotion, how individuals express and cope with anger can significantly impact their well-being and relationships. Uncontrolled or poorly managed anger can lead to harmful consequences, both for the person experiencing anger and those around them.
Learning healthy ways to manage and express anger is essential. Techniques such as deep breathing, relaxation exercises, mindfulness, seeking support from others, and problem-solving can help individuals deal with anger in constructive ways. Seeking professional help, such as anger management counseling or therapy, may be beneficial for individuals struggling to manage their anger effectively.
