Impacts, causes, and signs of anger.Anger
Anger is a silent killer that lies beneath your skin, and you might not even realize what kind of serpent you are nurturing in your sleeve. According to a study, nearly 8% of teenagers have shown signs of anger issues and qualified for a diagnosis of intermittent explosive disorder at some point in their lives. Anger is not a disease but a normal human emotion, just like sadness and happiness.AnxietyFear and pleasure.
Various studies have shown that people who get angry frequently and lack healthy ways to express or release their feelings become ill more often and may even die from these illnesses.
Not only does anger affect human physical health, but it also significantly impacts social relationships. The issue of anger isn’t limited to teenagers, and if you think you or someone you know suffers from anger disorders, it is important to recognize the signs, causes, and effects of anger.
What are the types of anger disorders?
Individuals who strugglewith anger controlor experience anger beyond normal emotional limits may encounter various forms of anger. Several experts have published contradicting lists of anger types, yet, as discussed in this section ofMental HealthonSelMagzyou will read some recognized forms of anger include:
Chronic anger
where a person gets angry over trivial matters. Such individuals are often perpetually angry and irritable, which can negatively affect their physical and emotional health.
Self-harm anger
that pertains to the individual and may stem from feelings of guilt.
Judgmental anger
which relates to others and might accompany feelings of hatred.
Conflict anger
which involves intense or impulsive conflicts.
Passive anger
People suffering from passive aggression may not even realize they are angry. When experiencing passive aggression, their feelings might manifest as sarcastic remarks, numbness, or pettiness.
You may show self-destructive behaviors such as skipping school or work, becoming alienated from friends and family, and being ineffective in jobs or social situations. To observers, it may seem like you are intentionally sabotaging yourself, while you may be unaware or unable to explain your actions.
Because passive aggression might be suppressed, it can be hard to recognize. Counseling can help identify the feelings behind your behaviors and clarify the reason for your anger so you can tackle it.
Aggressive anger
People with aggressive anger are typically aware of their emotions, yet they do not always know the root of their anger. In some cases, individuals unleash their outbursts on others because dealing with the underlying problem is too difficult.
Aggressive anger can sometimes manifest as retaliatory or unstable anger and may result in physical harm to others and their property. Learning to recognize triggers and manage anger signs is essential for positively coping with this type of anger.
What causes anger?
The primary causes of anger are the individual’s environment,stressfinancial issues, abuse, weak family or social positions, and overwhelming demands on energy and time, all of which can contribute to shaping anger. In disorders such as alcohol addiction, anger issues are more common in individuals raised by parents with similar disorders.
Genetics and the body’s ability to cope with specific hormones and chemicals play a significant role in how you manage anger. If your brain doesn’t have a normal response to serotonin, it becomes harder to control your emotions.
Things to Know About Anger
Anger is not a disease.
Like sadness and happiness, anxiety, fear, and pleasure, anger is a normal human feeling and emotion. Anger is a way to release or express feelings; unfortunately, some people lose control when they get angry and may resort to any means to extinguish their fury. In such cases, anger can lead you to become a wrongdoer.
Anger is not rudeness.
Anger can stem from mild frustration or arise against truly unfair behavior. Therefore, anger can have positive consequences and be constructive. Anger is a valuable emotion that helps people confront injustice and fight against it.
This emotion warns us of unfairness or wrongdoing in behavior and generates the energy to tackle the situation. Sometimes anger can save our lives and help us defend ourselves, but it is crucial to learn how to control it.
Aggression and anger are different.
Aggression and anger should not be confused with one another. Anger is a feeling that does not automatically lead to conflict and aggression, whereas aggression is a behavior involving hostility. Hitting, pushing, swearing, and name-calling are forms of aggression and violence.
Don’t swallow your anger.
Expressing anger is better than bottling it up because suppressing anger can lead to mental and emotional problems and even physical issues like heart issues andstomach burningand more. However, never get into confrontations with others when expressing anger.
One of the best ways to manage anger is through humor and laughter.
Have a structured plan for calming down and preventing anger.
Depressionand anger:
Depression and anger can go hand in hand and create a vicious cycle that is hard to break. An anger attack can lead to disconnection and feelings of guilt that may result in depression.
Long-term depression can make it harder to control emotions and increase the likelihood of anger outbursts. Often, the only way to break this cycle requires seeking specialized help.
Dual diagnosis: addiction and anger
Alcohol and drug addiction can diminish your ability to cope with anger. It is vital to seek treatment options that address the physical and emotional aspects of your disorder.
A treatment program that addresses anger without addressing addiction will make you vulnerable to emotional issues in the future. Thus, participating in a support group discussing addiction without referring to struggles with anger may lead you to use drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain later on.
What are the signs of anger management issues?
If you occasionally lose your cool, it does not mean you have an anger management problem. Mental health experts assess your behavioral tendencies, emotional signs, and physical signs to diagnose anger disorders.
Emotional signs of anger issues
You might think that emotional signs of anger issues are limited to feelings of anger, but various emotional states can indicate that you are struggling to confront anger positively and healthily. Persistent irritability, anger, and anxiety are some potential emotional signs.
If you feel distressed, unable to control or organize your thoughts, or have thoughts of harming yourself or others, you may be experiencing anger disorders or another issue. Don’t wait for these emotions to take over your life; consult a doctor sooner rather than later.
Physical effects of anger
Intense emotions often cause physical changes in the body, and anger is no exception. If anger issues go unmanaged, it can jeopardize your overall health. Some physical symptoms of anger issues include:
- Numbness
- Chest tightness or irregular heartbeat
- ElevatedBlood pressure
- Headaches
- Pressure in the head or sinus cavities
- Fatigue
Short-term and long-term effects of anxiety and anger:
Unjust anger can lead to anxiety, impacting your life significantly. Immediate effects of anxiety may includeDizzinessShortness of breath,Nausea,Muscle pain, muscle tension,Headachesand memory and concentration problems. These symptoms can make daily activities challenging and may increase overall anger in life.
Long-term anxiety can pose serious risks to your physical and emotional well-being. Individuals suffering from prolonged anxiety struggles have a higher risk ofStrokeAdditionally, memory loss, chronic sleep disorders, or relationship issues may occur. Before anger and anxiety destroy your life, see what you can do to halt this cycle.
Is there a test or self-assessment I can do?
There are many online tests and self-assessments that can help you identify any type of anger or anxiety issues you might face. If you take an online test, it’s good to ensure the test is written and published by someone recognized as a mental health professional.
Even if the self-assessment is written by a reputable organization, don’t let self-diagnosis or an online test dictate your treatment. If someone thinks they suffer from anger issues, they should speak with specialized counselors, family doctors, or volunteers in health clinics.
Anger medication
Medication for anger: pharmaceutical options for anger control
Mental health specialists recommend therapy, group counseling, and anger management classes as treatment options for anger disorders. In some cases, medication may assist in controlling emotions and chemical responses in the body that lead to uncontrollable anger.
Anger medication: possible options
The type of prescribed medication depends on individual circumstances and considers other diagnoses as well.
Medication side effects:
Reports indicate that over 50% of patients using anti-anger medications have noticed kidney-related issues. These effects are usually reversible with medical care or discontinuation of the medication. Only use anti-anger medications under a doctor’s supervision. Other side effects of various anti-anger medications include:
- Nausea
- Thirst
- Changes in thought patterns
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Fever
- Addiction
Addiction to anti-anger medications: dependence and withdrawal:
It is important to understand whether your anti-anger medication is addictive or not. The potential for addiction depends on your personality, body chemistry, and the medication itself. Discuss the associated risks of dependence and withdrawal with your doctor, and carefully follow the medication dosage guidelines. If you experience medication side effects, or feel you want more of the drug and can’t quit, consult your doctor immediately.
Medication overuse:
To prevent potential medication overuse, always take only the required dosage, and if health issues arise while using the medication, consult your doctor immediately, as physical symptoms might indicate excessive dosage.
Seeking help for anger issues:
The first step in taking control of your life is seeking help for anger issues. Understanding the signs, causes, and effects will assist you in addressing the disorder positively and healthily.
