Anger is Normal
Anger is one of our wide range of emotions, and it is one of humankind’s most primitive emotions. Therefore, if someone tells you that they have never experienced anger, they’re lying because anger is a normal emotion.
Since anger is a natural feeling, it’s okay sometimes to feel angry. But, most importantly, you need to understand the reasons behind your anger because it is an integral step in anger management.
Utility of Anger
Have you ever noticed a power boost when you are angry and you can do lots of things you are uncomfortable with in normal conditions? This is the survival benefit of anger that has roots in evolution. However, anger can cause more harm than benefit in a civilized society. Anger isn’t the fundamental problem; your reaction after you feel angry is the central issue if it is out of control.
Root Causes
Anger is mainly accompanied by frustration that may arise in your system when things don’t go as planned. You may feel angry at people for behaving in a way that is inappropriate according to your ideology. People often feel anger when someone hurts their loved ones because they are associated with them. You may feel angry if you think you are being exploited, abused, or threatened.
In all these situations, you can identify that there is a triggering factor that rattles your emotions. The underlying triggering factor can be a particular situation in which you may have experienced an emotion such as guilt, embarrassment, jealousy, or stress. Since feeling guilty, embarrassed, or ashamed is disliked by society and portrays you as a weak person, people mask these emotions by showing anger instead of them.
Understanding Anger isn’t a Piece of Cake
Ironically, as humans, we act out without thinking much, which is why anger proves to be highly harmful to you. In certain situations or circumstances, it is essential to show anger to get your rights and security; however, there are other situations with other solution-focused alternatives.
It may sound easy to understand anger; however, when you act out, you might not be consciously aware of the emotions you are masking behind the rage. Mindfulness and conscious acceptance of underlying emotions and apparent triggers will help you control your anger outbursts.
Requiring Clinical Attention
Everyone experiences mood swings temporarily now and then. On certain days when you feel crankier than others, you can just read some tips and tricks to control your anger for self-help. However, are your anger outbursts starting to impair your capabilities and efficiency at work? Is your relationship with your partner affected by your anger? Do you feel unable to function correctly? If yes, you certainly need help.
People that have anger control issues often face legal consequences. Out of anger, you may harm someone or damage someone’s property, ultimately leading to your own loss. It is vital to control anger before you end up making huge mistakes out of a temporary emotional situation.
Many people often talk to a consultant or clinical psychologist after facing the consequences of their anger outbursts. If you are facing relationship issues and occupational performance downfalls, you must consult with a mental health professional before it’s too late. Initially, you can try some self-help guides and seek advice from your peers, but if they fail to bring significant improvement in your anger issues, you must seek professional help without delay.
Quick Tips
Self-help anger management strategies primarily focus on understanding the science behind why you are feeling aggressive and using the techniques to control your anger before your demons are set free. It takes practice to master control of your anger, just like controlling all other emotions.
First, you can take time out and remove yourself from the situation triggering aggressive tendencies. Once you are out of the triggering condition, you can take some deep breaths to normalize the physiological symptoms of anger. Sometimes you have lots of physical energies that are manifested as emotional energy in the form of anger. Exercising daily and increasing your physical activity can help you eliminate your rage.
Conclusion
Understanding anger is tricky but possible. You need to know when clinical advice is required for anger management. Mindfulness and a conscious effort to identify your anger triggers will help you with emotional regulation.
