Anger is something that everyone feels. It’s a sign that we feel strongly about something. However, if your anger is getting in the way of your marriage, relationship with your children, your job, or your own ability to enjoy life, you may need a little help knowing how to manage it.
What causes anger issues?
Usually, anger is a sign of something more significant underneath those feelings. By identifying and expressing those things, you are able to better deal with the anger you are experiencing. Some common causes of anger issues include:
- Depression
- OCD
- Alcohol abuse
- ADHD
- ODD
- Bipolar
- Grief
What are the physical symptoms of anger?
Some of the physical symptoms of anger can include:
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Tingling sensation
- Muscle tension
What are the emotional symptoms of anger?
Some of the emotional symptoms of anger can include:
- irritability
- frustration
- anxiety
- rage
- stress
- feeling overwhelmed
- guilt
How do I manage anger?
1. Anticipate your anger triggers
Recognizing what often makes you angry can help you process the anger. If you know that specific things make you angry, such as when a coworker says something belittling at work, when your child won’t listen, or you feel like your life is out of control, then you can make a plan of how to manage your anger when each of these situations happen.
2. Validate your anger
Don’t be angry at your anger. Take time to validate what you feel and to recognize why you feel angry. When you do this you can better process your emotions.
3. Take a break and calm down before acting
One of the best things you can do to manage anger is to take time to take a break and calm down before having an outburst. You can go for a walk, write how you’re feeling down, eat a snack, or even take some deep breaths.
4. Get professional help
As we mentioned before, anger is usually a sign of deeper concerns or struggles. Taking time to work through things with a trained professional can help tremendously. Here at Momentum Counseling Services, we have many experts who can help you to process the underlying concerns that lead to angry outbursts. You can schedule your appointment here.
