ANGER MANAGEMENT

What is Anger? 

Anger is an intense emotion that individuals often feel when someone or something has wronged them in some way. Anger is usually perceived as a negative emotion, but sometimes it is positive. Anger can be positive when an individual is aware of how to cope with the feeling, and then use it to create a positive change in their life. Conversely, when people are intensely angry, and are unaware of how to cope with this emotion, it can be bad for the person's mental and physical health. This is because anger is an emotion that can escalate quickly and can turn into physical or verbal violence. Someone who has difficulty expressing their anger, and other emotions, may present it in different ways. Anger can be presented in an outward, inward, or passive manner. An outward presentation is when the anger and aggression is evident to others because they can visibly see it. Inward anger means that the anger is directed at yourself. For instance, this might mean that the person engages in negative self-talk, self harm, or denies themselves simple pleasures and basic needs. Passive anger is when the individual’s anger is more indirect in a way that some people may not pick up on. People who passively express their anger may make sarcastic comments, or give others the silent treatment instead of discussing their feelings. 

Symptoms

People who get extremely angry experience physical symptoms such as an increased blood pressure and heart rate, a tingling sensation, and muscle tension. There are also many emotions that might coexist with anger. For instance, sometimes people who are angry are also irritable, anxious, stressed. Before, during, and/or after an episode of anger, an individual might feel guilty. People who experience periods of rage may feel like it is something they cannot control. People who have difficulty controlling their anger sometimes find that it hurts themselves or others. In order to be diagnosed with an anger management disorder, or intermittent explosive disorder, a mental health professional needs to examine the individual. The professional would look into the physical and mental background of the person to see if they have a condition that may be the underlying cause of this heightened anger.  

Treatment 

In order for a person to feel more in control of their anger, they might practice a wide variety of psychotherapy techniques and take medication. Specific psychotherapy techniques include relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy. For instance, an individual who receives counseling for their anger management difficulties may learn relaxation techniques, so that they are aware of what to do when they feel angry. Individuals might also use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) if depression, anxiety, or ADHD coexists with their anger. CBT would help manage the underlying causes of the individual's anger. Additionally, if people have other mental disorders which coexist with their anger, they might take medications for it. For instance, some people who struggle with controlling their anger might take medications for depression, anxiety, or ADHD.