Understanding Anger
What Is Anger?
Anger is a normal emotion that an individual feels when something has gone wrong or a person has wronged them, evoking feelings of tension and hostility.
When a threat triggers the brain to respond, whether emotional, physical, real, or perceived, it’s a cry to place the brain on alert. The result is the release of chemicals called adrenaline and cortisol, which flow through your body, getting it ready to defend itself.
The feelings that trigger the release of chemicals can lead to behaviors that either alleviate the source of anger or express it, often through swearing.
When a threat triggers the brain to respond, whether emotional, physical, real, or perceived, it’s a cry to place the brain on alert. The result is the release of chemicals called adrenaline and cortisol, which flow through your body, getting it ready to defend itself.
The feelings that trigger the release of chemicals can lead to behaviors that either alleviate the source of anger or express it, often through swearing.
Is Anger a Secondary Emotion?
Anger is considered a secondary emotion because it serves as a protective response when a boundary is crossed.
A secondary emotion occurs when you react to your initial emotional response to an event or situation. When you have angry feelings, it is because you’re responding to feelings of hurt, embarrassment, disappointment, and fear.
Anger acts as a second emotion by:
A secondary emotion occurs when you react to your initial emotional response to an event or situation. When you have angry feelings, it is because you’re responding to feelings of hurt, embarrassment, disappointment, and fear.
Anger acts as a second emotion by:
- Protection: Anger serves as an emotional shield when you feel vulnerable or believe others might perceive you as weak.
- An Emotional Effect: Anger is triggered by other feelings. For example, you may feel hurt or rejected if someone changes or cancels plans with you. Those feelings can become anger.
- Perception: How you think, believe, or interpret an event or situation can influence your emotional response.
Is Anger Genetic?
Genetics can influence how you’re able to regulate your anger.
Researchers have found that specific genes are associated with an increased risk of sensitivity to aggression and anger.
These genes regulate and influence:
Researchers have found that specific genes are associated with an increased risk of sensitivity to aggression and anger.
These genes regulate and influence:
- Neurotransmitters linked to mood and aggression
- Serotonin levels, which are associated with emotional regulation
- The brain’s plasticity and ability to learn.
Genetics can influence anger, but so can environmental factors such as stress, life events, and childhood events.
Is Anger a Sign of Other Underlying Mental Health Issues?
When anger is persistent, excessive, and disrupts the day-to-day functioning of an individual’s life, it can be a sign that there is an underlying mental health issue.
There are times when everyone feels angry about something or at someone. However, anger becomes a problem when it is unmanageable and harms your personal or professional life.
Uncontrollable anger takes a negative toll on your physical and mental health. If left untreated, it can escalate into physical or verbal violence.
Some mental health conditions with anger as a symptom include:
There are times when everyone feels angry about something or at someone. However, anger becomes a problem when it is unmanageable and harms your personal or professional life.
Uncontrollable anger takes a negative toll on your physical and mental health. If left untreated, it can escalate into physical or verbal violence.
Some mental health conditions with anger as a symptom include:
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Intermittent explosive disorder
Anger is also one of the stages of grief. Whether it’s the death of a loved one, a breakup, a job loss, or a divorce, an individual may feel angry. Anger is often directed at the person responsible for the loss, the person who died, an inanimate object, or generalized outrage.
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Are Anger Issues a Mental Illness?
Anger issues are not considered a mental illness.
However, even though anger issues aren’t considered to be mental health issues, they can be symptoms of several types of mental health conditions, such as:
However, even though anger issues aren’t considered to be mental health issues, they can be symptoms of several types of mental health conditions, such as:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Individuals with BPD may experience extreme as well as other uncontrollable emotions.
- Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Outbursts of sudden, intense anger that aren’t proportional to the event are common in individuals with intermittent explosive disorder.
- Depression: One of the symptoms of depression is anger.
- Anxiety: Anger is linked with anxiety disorders.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Often, those with PTSD relive a traumatic experience and feel intense rage.
While anger isn’t a mental health issue, the effects of it on your well-being can be harmful.
Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility understands how overwhelming anger can feel, especially when it escalates into an acute psychiatric crisis. Our inpatient and outpatient programs focus on stabilizing severe symptoms, including anger related to underlying mental health conditions. Once you’re admitted, our clinical team will help identify the psychiatric factors contributing to your anger so you can safely begin the stabilization process.
Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility understands how overwhelming anger can feel, especially when it escalates into an acute psychiatric crisis. Our inpatient and outpatient programs focus on stabilizing severe symptoms, including anger related to underlying mental health conditions. Once you’re admitted, our clinical team will help identify the psychiatric factors contributing to your anger so you can safely begin the stabilization process.
Misconceptions About Anger
Is Anger Always a Negative Emotion?
No, anger isn’t always a negative emotion.
Anger is a valid, healthy emotional way of expressing how you feel when you’ve been hurt, feel as if an injustice has happened, or feel threatened.
Anger can be a healthy way to respond to a threat because it tells you that you need to take action to protect your mental and physical health.
Anger is a valid, healthy emotional way of expressing how you feel when you’ve been hurt, feel as if an injustice has happened, or feel threatened.
Anger can be a healthy way to respond to a threat because it tells you that you need to take action to protect your mental and physical health.
Are There Healthy Expressions of Anger?
While anger is often considered a negative emotion, it can be a positive emotion.
Your anger triggers a response in your brain and body. Feeling angry about something or towards someone creates signals in the brain that activate an approach response. The approach response is healthy because it indicates motivation, rather than retreating or withdrawing from a situation.
The motivation can also create behaviors that guide you to manage and express anger constructively.
Healthy expressions of anger include:
Your anger triggers a response in your brain and body. Feeling angry about something or towards someone creates signals in the brain that activate an approach response. The approach response is healthy because it indicates motivation, rather than retreating or withdrawing from a situation.
The motivation can also create behaviors that guide you to manage and express anger constructively.
Healthy expressions of anger include:
- Accept and Acknowledgment of Anger: Recognizing that it’s okay to be angry allows you to avoid suppressing or ignoring your emotions. Acceptance of anger also means you can take control of the situation.
- Communicate Feelings: Healthy, respectful communication skills enable you to express your anger clearly and constructively, without resorting to harsh words or accusations.
- Timeout: Maybe you remember being told to “take a timeout” or go cool down when you were angry as a child. Taking time-outs and cooling down are still healthy expressions of anger. You can take a brisk walk or any activity that allows you to de-stress.
- Practice Mindfulness: Deep breathing exercises, such as guided meditation, help you de-stress and focus your mind on your mental and physical well-being.
Does Anger Lead to Aggression?
No, anger does not need to lead to aggression.
Anger is an emotion triggered by a real or perceived threat that can create aggression, but most people can successfully manage their anger. Aggression is a behavior that is used to express feelings of anger.
Anger is an emotion triggered by a real or perceived threat that can create aggression, but most people can successfully manage their anger. Aggression is a behavior that is used to express feelings of anger.
Do Only Men Have Anger Issues?
No, men aren’t the only people with anger issues.
Men and women experience anger, but the difference lies in how they express it. Men tend to express their anger with outward aggression, while women may express it in other ways (passive-aggressiveness, silent treatment) or suppress it.
Men and women experience anger, but the difference lies in how they express it. Men tend to express their anger with outward aggression, while women may express it in other ways (passive-aggressiveness, silent treatment) or suppress it.
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Effects of Anger
How Does Anger Affect My Mental Health?
Untreated anger can increase the risk of mental health problems like anxiety and depression.
When left untreated, anger can lead to issues that negatively affect your daily life and relationships.
It also affects your mental well-being in the following ways:
When left untreated, anger can lead to issues that negatively affect your daily life and relationships.
It also affects your mental well-being in the following ways:
- Emotional Distress: Persistent, chronic anger creates a feeling of stress, anxiety, and being overwhelmed.
- Poor Emotional Regulation: Inability to control anger can make it hard for you to express yourself calmly or clearly.
- Poor Self-Esteem: Your feelings about yourself (shame, guilt, or resentment) can shape how you see life, others, and yourself.
- Damages Relationships: Hostility, arguments, and fatigue from anger-based responses to situations can make it challenging to create or maintain relationships.
How Does Anger Affect My Physical Well-being?
How you handle anger affects your physical health.
Long-term anger issues affect everything from your cardiovascular health to your nervous system.
The harmful effects on your physical health include the following physical symptoms:
Long-term anger issues affect everything from your cardiovascular health to your nervous system.
The harmful effects on your physical health include the following physical symptoms:
Cardiovascular System
- Increased heart rate and high blood pressure
- Increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and arrhythmias
Gastrointestinal System
- Heightened chances of ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Stomach issues like bloating, indigestion, and pain
- Restriction of the muscles in the digestive tract, which causes pain
Endocrine System
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Changes in metabolism
- Suppression of the immune system
Musculoskeletal Effects
- Clenching of muscles, hands, toes, and the jaw
- Back pain
- Migraines
- Muscle stiffness
Where Is Anger Stored in the Body?
Anger is not stored in a specific part of the body.
Anger is an emotion that involves communication between the brain, nervous system, and organs.
Anger is an emotion that involves communication between the brain, nervous system, and organs.
What Are the Short-Term Effects of Anger?
The short-term effects of anger problems hurt your physical and mental health.
The physical short-term effects of anger include:
The physical short-term effects of anger include:
- Muscle tension
- Increased heart rate
- Digestive issues
The short-term mental health effects include:
- Difficulty focusing
- Elevated stress response
- Extreme irritability
What Are the Long-Term-Effects of Anger?
Untreated, long-term anger has severe effects on your overall well-being.
The physical effects include:
The physical effects include:
- Cardiovascular heart disease
- Weakened immune system
- Sleep problems
- Digestive issues
The mental effects include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Brain fog
- Negative outlook on life
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Unhealthy Anger
What Are Physical Signs That I’m Getting Angry or Irritable?
Anger is an emotional response that includes physical reactions in your body, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Sweating
- Tightness in the chest
- Increased high rate
- Shaking
- Muscle tightness
What Are Behavioral Signs of Anger?
Sometimes anger can affect how individuals behave in situations.
For example, anger can lead to:
For example, anger can lead to:
- Frequent outbursts of anger
- Difficulty in calming down
- Aggression (verbal and physical)
- Placing blame on others
- The need to intimidate or control others
What Are Emotional Signs of Anger?
Anger is a secondary emotional reaction that can create other emotional responses.
Persistent, uncontrollable anger and its physical and behavioral responses can trigger emotions such as:
Persistent, uncontrollable anger and its physical and behavioral responses can trigger emotions such as:
- Regret
- Guilt
- Difficulty in expressing feelings
- Depression
- Anxiety
What Signs Tell You That You’re on the Brink of Uncontrolled Anger?
The signs of being on the brink of uncontrollable anger can include:
- Feeling like your mind is going blank
- “Seeing red”
- Clenching of fists, jaw, or other muscles
- Rapid heartbeat
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How Anger Management Can Help You
Can Anger Management Help Me Communicate My Feelings of Anger Without Causing Conflict?
Yes, anger management can help you develop healthy new skills to express your feelings respectfully and calmly.
Through the use of the T.H.I.N.K (True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind), using “I” statements, active listening, and pause and reflect techniques, you can learn how to effectively discuss your thoughts without being verbally violent.
Through the use of the T.H.I.N.K (True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind), using “I” statements, active listening, and pause and reflect techniques, you can learn how to effectively discuss your thoughts without being verbally violent.
Can Anger Management Help Me Control Anger in the Moment?
Yes, anger management techniques can help you actively control your anger.
Through relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, humor, and deep breathing, you can control your anger in the moment.
Through relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, humor, and deep breathing, you can control your anger in the moment.
Will Anger Management Help Me Identify Triggers?
Yes, anger management treatment can help you identify what triggers your anger response.
The goal of anger management treatment is to identify your triggers through self-help techniques and therapy.
The goal of anger management treatment is to identify your triggers through self-help techniques and therapy.
Does Anger Management Help Identify & Address the Root Cause of My Anger?
Yes, anger management helps identify and address the root cause of your anger.
Anger management treatment includes talk therapy that can guide you to understand the reasons and causes underlying your anger.
Anger management treatment includes talk therapy that can guide you to understand the reasons and causes underlying your anger.
What Are Other Strategies for Controlling Anger That Anger Management Can Help With?
Anger management teaches new skills that can be used to prevent, diffuse, and regulate emotion.
A few other anger management techniques include:
A few other anger management techniques include:
- Yoga
- Identifying solutions
- Getting enough sleep
- Keep an anger journal
- Seek mental health help
Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility provides short-term crisis stabilization for individuals whose anger is linked to an acute psychiatric episode, helping you regain safety and stability before continuing anger-management work in the appropriate outpatient setting.
Will I Be Able to Control My Anger Immediately?
No, anger management will not give you immediate results.
However, with practice, you can learn how to manage your symptoms.
However, with practice, you can learn how to manage your symptoms.
What Are Some Coping Strategies That I Can Use at Home?
Handling your anger on a day-to-day basis is possible if you use some of these strategies at home:
- Take a time out
- Deep breathing exercises
- Engage in physical activity
- Use healthy communication skills
It’s okay to take a step back from an argument to cool down. You’ll be able to use this time to gather your thoughts, reframe the situation, and begin the conversation again with calm, clear communication.
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When to Seek Professional Help
When Should I Seek Help for Anger Issues?
Symptoms of anger issues that may point to needing help include:
- Causing Harm: Anger issues can be linked to physical and verbal abuse, self-harm, or threats of violence.
- Harmful Thought Patterns: Negative thought patterns can increase the likelihood of adopting an all-or-nothing outlook, blaming others, expecting perfection, and viewing events as catastrophes even when they’re not.
- Substance Abuse: Substances are often used to decrease or cope with feelings of anger.
If you experience any of these symptoms, consider consulting your doctor or therapist to explore healthy ways to manage life’s challenges.
For immediate, urgent help with anger, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 support. You can also join a chat at 988lifeline.org.
Seeking help for anger issues is vital not only for the well-being of those around you but also for your own. Anger, if left untreated, can hurt your relationships and daily life. Untreated anger issues can lead to the development of destructive behaviors or emotions.
For immediate, urgent help with anger, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 support. You can also join a chat at 988lifeline.org.
Seeking help for anger issues is vital not only for the well-being of those around you but also for your own. Anger, if left untreated, can hurt your relationships and daily life. Untreated anger issues can lead to the development of destructive behaviors or emotions.
What Programs Help With Anger Management?
Programs that help with anger management include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Online courses
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
Please note: Ocean View Psychiatric Health Facility does not offer CBT, DBT, individual therapy, or outpatient anger-management programs. Our facility provides short-term acute psychiatric crisis stabilization, and the programs above are included for general educational purposes.
What Should I Look for in a Professional?
Choosing the right mental health professional starts with researching programs that specialize in your mental health condition.
You should also consider the following:
You should also consider the following:
- Does the mental health professional use evidence-based treatment?
- What are their treatment approaches?
- Are they licensed and qualified to treat mental health conditions like dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders)?
Ocean View offers a safe, structured setting in Long Beach for adults experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms who require immediate stabilization before transitioning to ongoing outpatient care elsewhere.
How Can I Help a Loved One Who Needs Professional Care?
Helping a loved one who needs professional mental health care can be challenging.
A few steps to take to help are:
A few steps to take to help are:
- Be patient
- Be caring
- Try to avoid judgment in your actions or thoughts
- Encourage them to seek help
FAQs: How to Control Anger Immediately
Why do I get so angry so easily?
Stress, financial problems, and family issues can trigger anger.
It can also be the result of underlying mental health issues or substance use issues.
Why am I so angry for no reason?
How can I help my friend calm down without making their anger worse?
How can I stop random, angry thoughts about my past from coming back every day?
How do you let go of anger?
Is anger morally wrong?
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