And why it’s vital you understand anger management

We experience anger as thoughts and feel it in the body. (See emotions)

Anger varies in intensity, duration, and expression. It might be fleeting or may escalate to intense rage and aggression.

But anger can also serve as a signal that something is wrong, prompting us to take action, set boundaries, or address underlying issues. When managed constructively, anger can lead to positive outcomes, such as problem-solving, personal growth, and social change. The problem is managing anger once present is challenging.

Causes

Experts and philosophers from Aristotle & Marcus Aurelius to Freud & Jung have come up with many theories about the cause, everything from holding fixed, unrealistic, and irrational beliefs about ourselves or others to developmental issues, injustices and responses to our survival instincts.

What we can probably agree on is most of us will experience feeling angry in our lives. However, the way we express anger differs from person to person. Cultural, social, and personal factors can influence us.

The damaging effects of anger

When anger is misdirected and expressed unhealthily, it can lead to detrimental consequences such as causing physical harm to others or their property. Nations have gone to war because their leaders were angry.

If we bottle it up and don’t express it or if we express anger inappropriately, it will damage relationships and escalate conflicts. When suppressed, it may also lead to frustration, turning the anger inwards and on to ourselves.

I know when I’m angry, it’s often with myself because of my own frustrations and perceived failures. If suppressed, anger causes stress and physical reactions such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and headaches. It also leads to depression and even paranoia.

Anger Management

If suppressing anger is bad, how do we deal with it? Identifying the cause of anger and dealing with it quickly is obviously preferable, but where it’s persistent and threatening, a Coach or practitioner specialising in anger management can be helpful.

This involves developing coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques, communication skills, cognitive restructuring, and stress reduction methods.

Learning to express anger assertively and constructively, while also considering the perspectives and needs of others, can help navigate conflicts and promote healthier relationships. Carl Jung encourages us to use anger as a trigger for positive action.

By understanding and learning to manage anger constructively, individuals can navigate their emotions more effectively, promote healthy relationships, and enhance overall well-being. If you’re in a leadership role, you can set the standard.

How do you deal with your anger?

I’d love to hear about your experience.