Anger is a very fairy emotion, it arises quickly and often before we become aware of it is too late, we have already reacted. Often it is a way to cope, protect oneself and preserve life from immediate threats in the environment. At a relationship level it can be experienced in moments when we feel challenged and threatened by others. Often when we react as opposed to respond to people around us, a sense of discomfort may arise in our state of being. If unattended to, anger can become destructive for your emotional, professional, and family life, as well as for your health and general well-being.

Causes of anger issues

Anger may be a lingering psychological energy from past unresolved issues.

Anger can arise from feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness and overwhelming emotional states.

Anger can emerge from experiences of injustice, betrayal, and so on.

Bottled up feelings are a result of accumulated emotions which you find difficult to express. Anger could be a manifestation of deep shame or sadness which you can only express by being what can be called aggressive, or passive aggressive with those around you. It hurts you, you would like to stop, but don’t know how to manage your anger.

Fear of certain significant emotional states can evoke anger; in other words, certain emotions can be misplaced in anger.

Anger can be a protective mechanism from other perceived dangers. For instance, anger can be used to keep others at a distance.

Bereavement and loss of the loved one is a difficult time in anyone’s life. Grieving, mourning, and crying are natural part of life, albeit not culturally acceptable. If this process is supressed, it can lead to uncontrollable expressions of anger.

Stress in the workplace is another one of the common causes of anger as to find a professional and socially acceptable way to release your emotions can be a challenge.

Common signs and symptoms of anger issues

Uncontrollable and unpredictable angry outbursts

Anger can manifest itself by spilling out into a road rage and aggressive behaviour, or sudden atypical shaking and loss of control over your body. You may ‘not be feeling yourself’ or experience black outs about your angry outbursts with others.

Depression and anger

Depression and anger are closely interlinked; when anger is turned inward, it leads to depression.

Low mood

On some days you may find yourself feeling low, tearful, unable to sleep and concentrate on your daily routine and professional tasks due to unexpressed emotions. The only way you may be coping with hidden anger is by suppressing it, which in turn leads to depression.

Denial

In this case the disconnection is between the person and the memory of or feelings about a particular event (or series of events). We may deny that an event occurred, or we may act as though it was unimportant.

Self–harm

Self–harm and increased intake of substances such as alcohol, nicotine, or recreational drugs are some of the significant symptoms of anger towards someone or something that is looking for its expression.

Numbness

When it is not safe to express anger, it can be experienced as numbing oneself.

Increased blood pressure

On a physiological level you may experience increased blood pressure, headaches and migraines, upset stomach, tightness in your chest or other body parts, and insomnia

How therapy can help with anger issues

Investigate and understand the nature and purpose of anger.

Anger management techniques

Anger management techniques tailor-made to deal with your anger is something that you will learn when you enter your short-term or long-term anger management treatment programme.

You will be learning tools

How to foster greater awareness around your anger; to create some distance between you and that which is within you that is angry; to create a dialogue between you and the anger; to go one layer beneath your anger and understand the space from which it arises; to grow in your ability to discern ‘when, if and how’ to ‘ex-press’ (press out) your anger in a healthy way; to learn to treat anger like a teacher from whom you can gain insights for your further growth; etc. All these processes in turn should help you to transform your experiences into meaningful and genuine connection with others and with life in general.

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In order to explore your options in dealing with your anger issues through a therapeutic process, email us or please call us (between 9:00AM & 6:00PM from Monday to Saturday).

Anger Issues