Everyone gets angry from time to time. It’s a natural, human response to certain situations that alarm and upset a person. However, if anger is something that becomes uncontrollable, there may be an underlying mental health issue that’s responsible for unmanageable anger. Some examples of unmanaged anger is being angry at situations that shouldn’t typically result in anger or noticing that you’re becoming angry more frequently. For individuals who are experiencing uncontrollable anger, it may be important to seek help to manage anger so that this reaction doesn’t start to debilitate life and negatively affect relationships, careers, and more. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help to identify sources of anger and manage anger responses. So, if you’re struggling with coping with anger, find out more about some tips to better manage the anger in your life.
When we understand more about what anger is, we have a better sense of how to manage it. Basically, anger is a normal, human emotion just like any other. And, as such, it serves a purpose. It allows us to steer clear of things that may hurt us or put us in danger. But, if a person is easily angered or frequently angry, this may be due to underlying issues that may be affecting emotional regulation. And, getting angry often or without probable cause can lead to a slew of unwanted consequences. So, it’s important to understand how to manage it if it becomes uncontrollable.
People who are having a hard time dealing with their anger response need to understand that anger is not the problem. Anger is something that’s natural and seen in almost every species on Earth. However, how we deal with and respond to anger is the solution. Coping with anger is best done by evaluating how you’re feeling instead of reacting. Then, find out ways to portray your emotions in a healthy and calm way to get your message across to others.
While anger is normal and natural, people who deal with it frequently and with little control may experience negative consequences as a result. Some examples of the negative impacts of anger can include:
Memory Loss: When we experience anger, neurons in our brain also release stress hormones, which can, when present in the body for long periods of time, actually debilitate the brain from maintaining memory. So, people who deal with frequent bouts of anger may experience short or long-term memory loss.
Relationship Issues: Anger can frighten others and steer them away. So, many people who are dealing with unmanageable anger may experience relationship issues such as divorce, breakups, and isolation from others.
Health Issues: Uncontrolled anger is actually bad for one’s physical health. Anger that isn’t controlled can increase blood pressure, debilitate the immune system from functioning properly, and more.
Negative Mental Health Effects: Anger issues can bring about worsening symptoms for people who are struggling with mental health issues.
Learning how to cope with anger gives people who are living with unmanageable anger coping strategies in order to better manage their anger in healthy ways. Some coping strategies for anger can include:
Understanding Anger Triggers: When you can better understand what triggers your anger, you can better prepare yourself for how to react in these situations. For example, if you know that you may be in a situation that may trigger an anger response, you can prepare yourself with coping strategies before walking into these situations.
Using Coping Strategies: When you’ve run into an anger trigger, there are some helpful coping skills you can use in order to better manage an anger response. Some examples of these techniques can include taking some time to process by walking away, steering clear of negative thinking patterns, and processing how your anger response went afterward by journaling.
Continue to Practice Your Anger Response: Continuing learning and practicing coping strategies and finding out more about how you respond to situations that trigger your anger can help you to better manage your skills. Staying persistent can help you better manage anger responses on a long-term basis – so don’t give up!
If you’re finding it challenging to cope with anger, getting professional help can assist you with learning the skills necessary to better manage your anger response. Yellowbrick offers outpatient therapy that can help individuals pinpoint underlying issues that may be resulting in unwanted anger responses. And, help people develop positive thinking and coping skills in order to better manage anger.
Yellowbrick collaborates with adolescents and emerging adults, ages 16-30's, their families and participating professionals toward the development and implementation of a strategic “Life Plan.” An integrative, multi-specialty consultation clarifies strengths, limitations, and risks, and defines motivations, goals and choices.
A mental health condition that’s characterized by intense shifts in mood including both manic and depressive episodes.
People living with Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, experience episodes of depression and sadness that are debilitating to daily life.
Those living with anxiety disorders experience high levels of anxiety and stress that interfere negatively with daily life.
A mental health issue in which a person’s cognitive function is impaired, resulting in symptoms like experiencing challenges with conducting speech, reading and writing, and behavior.
Mental health disorders that negatively affect a person’s behaviors, thought patterns, and function. People diagnosed with these disorders experience challenges with managing relationships and understanding various situations.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that people can develop as a result of experiencing traumatic situations, characterized by symptoms including flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and more.
A mental health condition that is characterized by specific symptoms of forgetfulness and lack of concentration, which makes it challenging to complete necessary tasks.
Mental health conditions that interfere with a person’s eating habits, thought patterns, and behaviors in negative ways.
A mental health disorder diagnosable with the DSM-5 that is characterized by both obsessions and compulsive behaviors.