Anger

Anger is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. It is a natural response to being attacked, insulted, deceived or frustrated. Sometimes, excessive anger can also be a symptom of some mental health problems. Anger can give a large surge of energy that makes you react in ways that you normally wouldn’t. When it gets out of control it turns into rage that can have very negative consequences for you and those around you.

Negative effects of anger

• It hurts your physical health. Chronic anger makes you more susceptible to heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, a weakened immune system, insomnia, and high blood pressure.
• It causes lasting scars in the people you love most and gets in the way of your friendships and work relationships.
• It consumes huge amounts of mental energy and clouds your thinking, making it harder to concentrate, see the bigger picture, and enjoy life.
• It can also lead to stress, depression, and other mental health problems.

How to manage anger

• Simple relaxation tools, such as deep breathing and relaxing imagery, can help calm down angry feelings. Deep, slow breathing helps counteract rising tension
• Identify the negative thought patterns that trigger your temper
• Avoid people, places, and situations that bring out your worst
• In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to say something you’ll later regret. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything
• As soon as you’re thinking clearly, express your frustration in an assertive but nonconfrontational way. State your concerns and needs clearly and directly, without hurting others or trying to control them.