Anger

Updated: April 10, 2024

It’s normal to feel angry sometimes, and it should be said that anger in and of itself is not a ‘negative’ or ‘bad’ emotion, it has its purpose. If however, it’s impacting your life in a negative way then it may be useful to learn about the help available.

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What Is Anger?

Anger is an emotion that normally occurs when we feel wronged by someone or something. However it does not necessarily show itself in overt ways. Indeed, it is thought there are three ways which anger can manifest: passive aggression, open aggression, or assertively.

Passive aggression is a quiet type of anger, and examples of it include sulking or giving the ‘silent treatment’. It is normally seen in those who don’t like confrontation because it is subtle and often provokes a reaction in the person it’s directed at. Open aggression is a very overt form of anger and includes lashing out physically, or verbally. It is often seen in people who find it difficult to regulate and control their anger.

Assertive anger is the useful and healthy form of anger, and demonstrates that anger is not inherently bad. This form of anger facilitates expression and action that can help us to find solutions in situations that should cause anger. For example, when we are being mistreated at work, we can use healthy anger to motivate us to speak up, or find a job somewhere we feel valued.

What Are The Symptoms?

Behavoural Symptoms

People act out in destructive ways because of anger. For example, they may ignore people, sulk, become verbally aggressive and shout at others, or become physically abusive, damage property, or self-harming.

Mental Symptoms

Anger can impact your mind in many ways. People can feel tension in the head, nervousness, irritability, guilt, humiliation, resentment, or a ‘red mist’ coming down on them, and therefore the inability to relax.

Physiological Symptoms

Anger can impact people physiologically. People may experience a churning in the stomach, chest tightness, increased heartrate, tense muscles, weakness in the legs, feeling hot, sweaty palms (or other body parts), or a need to go to the bathroom.

What Causes Anger?

Stress: Chronic stress from work, relationships, or other life challenges can lead to feelings of frustration and anger.
Frustration: When goals or desires are blocked or unmet, frustration can build up, resulting in anger.
Unresolved trauma: Past traumatic experiences, especially if unresolved, can contribute to heightened sensitivity to anger.
Environmental factors: Situational factors like noise, overcrowding, or even discomfort can trigger anger.
Unmet needs: When basic needs for respect, love, or security are not met, anger can arise as a response.
Genetic predisposition: Some individuals may have a genetic tendency toward higher levels of irritability or anger.
Learned behaviour: Growing up in an environment where anger was a common response can lead to adopting similar behaviour patterns.
Physical health issues: Conditions like chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, or neurological disorders can contribute to irritability and anger.
Substance use: Alcohol and drugs can lower inhibitions and increase the likelihood of anger and aggressive behaviour.
Cognitive distortions: Negative thinking patterns, such as seeing situations as worse than they are, can fuel feelings of anger.

How Phinity Therapy Can Help

Anger management techniques: We teach practical strategies to help you recognize triggers, manage your anger responses, and express emotions in healthier ways.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): Our therapists work with you to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anger, helping you develop a more balanced perspective.
Stress reduction: We provide tools and techniques to manage stress effectively, reducing the likelihood of anger outbursts.
Emotional regulation: Our therapy sessions focus on improving emotional regulation, enabling you to better control your reactions to frustrating situations.
Trauma-focused therapy: If unresolved trauma is a source of your anger, we offer specialized therapy to help you process and heal from past experiences.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: We introduce mindfulness practices and relaxation exercises that can help calm the mind and body, reducing anger and tension.
Communication skills: Our therapists help you develop better communication skills, allowing you to express your needs and feelings more effectively, reducing misunderstandings that can lead to anger.
Support for underlying issues: We address any underlying issues, such as anxiety, depression, or relationship problems, that may be contributing to your anger.
Personalised therapy plans: We create individualized therapy plans tailored to your specific needs and goals, ensuring that you receive the most effective treatment for managing your anger.