What Anger Management?
Anger is a natural human emotion. It conveys a message, such as injustice or threat. Although it is normal to feel angry, it becomes an issue when it consumes us or when it is directed towards others with violence and aggression. Acknowledging and managing anger can be challenging.
Anger can be protective as well, as the biological response to anger (increased heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure) also prepares our body to respond to looming danger.
Ongoing out of control anger outbursts can have serious consequences, such as:
Physical health – Anger can cause high levels of stress, possibly causing heart disease, insomnia, and high blood pressure.
Mental Health – Chronic anger outbursts consume a lot of mental energy, affecting concentration and enjoyment. They can also lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
Relationships – Some may think that venting anger is healthy and justify their anger by saying that the people around them are too sensitive or unfair and that to get respect they need to show anger. But, when the anger becomes all-consuming, it is likely to have a negative impression on how others see them and may impair judgment and interfere with relationships. Explosive anger outbursts are frightening and uncomfortable, and others might struggle with expressing their opinion to you. Being exposed to anger can have a negative impact on children.
Employment – Constructive criticism or debate can be productive. However, in these situations, responding in an angry manner can alienate colleagues or supervisors and impact your work performance.
Myths and Facts about Anger
Myth – You should not hold anger in, it is healthy to let it out.
Facts – Supressing and ignoring anger can be unhealthy. Bit it should not be expressed in an aggressive way. Ongoing outbursts can lead to reinforcing your anger problem.
Myth – Aggression, anger, or intimidation help to earn respect and get the desired outcome.
Fact – Respect cannot be gained by bullying. If people are treated with respect, they will show respect and be more willing to listen.
Myth – Anger is something that cannot be controlled.
Fact – Although you might not always be able to control the situation that you are in or how it makes you feel, you can control how you express anger and communicate feelings without being verbally or physically aggressive. You always have a choice about how you respond.