Anger Issues

Anger issues are a very real problem for many people. Anger can damage your personal and workplace relationships. People struggling with anger issues are at risk of escalation. Anger can lead to depression, violence and suicidal thoughts. Anger can even impact your physical health.

Individuals with unaddressed anger issues are personally at risk, as are those around them. Uncontrolled anger can lead to erratic behavior and dramatic outbursts. Anger can lead to violence, substance abuse, addiction and criminal behavior. People living with anger issues need support to develop effective strategies for managing their anger.

Anger is a normal human emotion. However, some people have difficulty controlling their anger or experience anger outside of the normal emotional range. Mental health experts have identified a number of specific types of anger. These include:

• Chronic anger is an ongoing, generalized anger towards others, oneself or certain circumstances. Chronic anger can have long-term significant effects on a person’s overall health and wellbeing. It can weaken the immune system, leading to conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
• Passive-aggressive anger is an avoidant type of anger. People with passive-aggressive anger typically avoid direct confrontation. They may deny the anger and frustration they are feeling. They may express their hostility through sarcasm or pointed silence or other aggressions.
• Volatile anger is anger that seemingly comes out of nowhere. People with volatile anger can react in ways that are grossly out of proportion to the situation at hand.
• Judgmental anger is directed toward others and is often expressed as righteous indignanation. Individuals experiencing judgmental anger can be harshly critical towards others.
• Overwhelmed anger can occur when people feel that circumstances are beyond their control. When someone has taken on too much responsibility or is contending with too many stresses and demands, that person may experience overwhelmed anger. Hopelessness and frustration are common.

Physical Manifestations of Anger

The body can have a physiological response to strong emotions, including anger. Anger’s impact on the body can create health risks. Physical manifestations of anger may include:

• High blood pressure
• Headaches
• Tightening of the chest and heart palpitations
• Sinus pressure
• Fatigue
• Tingling sensations