What You Need To Know About Anger Management

Everyone gets angry. Like joy and sadness, anger is a human emotion. But if your anger is difficult to control, interferes with your daily life, or gets in the way of your relationships, you may have a problem. If anger management is a challenge for you, take a look at how you can find help.

If everyone experiences this powerful emotion at some time or another, how can you distinguish temporary anger from a more serious condition? Anger symptoms to watch for include:

• Irritability . You may feel irritable or are easily agitated often.

• Frustration . Like anger itself, frustration is natural in many situations. But if you're easily frustrated, feel frustrated constantly, or are quick to frustrate, you may have a management issue.

• Anxiety . Some people with anger management issues also experience intense or constant anxiety.

• Physical symptoms . Along with the psychological symptoms of anger disorder, you may also have muscle tension/fatigue, increased blood pressure, or headaches.

Uncontrolled anger can get in the way of your daily life, hurt those around you, or cause you to act out in ways that are physically or verbally abusive. If you experience anger symptoms or you often regret the way you act out, it's time to talk to a professional. A therapist can help you to move forward and control your anger.

Why are you angry? More specifically, what makes your anger escalate to a point where it's out of control, scares you, or negatively affects your relationships? Even though anger is the symptom you want to control, the emotion itself isn't necessarily the cause of the problem.

Common underlying causes or anger triggers include:

• Depression . While anger isn't always a symptom of depression, for some people irritability, frustration, and a sense of hopelessness can lead to this powerful emotion.

• Past trauma . Unresolved emotions from past trauma or experiences that lead to psychological distress can also result in anger.

• Alcohol use . Alcohol can increase aggression and lead to out of control anger. Underlying psychological disorders and habitual abuse can contribute to anger management issues or magnify this powerful emotion.

• Drug abuse . Like alcohol, other substances can also increase aggression and anger. For some people with substance abuse issues, the root cause of the use (such as past trauma, depression, or another psychological disorder) can increase frustration, negative emotions, and anger.

• Other psychological factors . A number of psychological disorders, such as bipolar disorders or oppositional defiant disorder, can also result in uncontrolled anger.

Along with these potential causes, some anger management issues can result from major life changes. A job loss, divorce, death of a family member, or financial struggles can also cause this overpowering emotion.

How soon should you reach out for help to control your anger? If your anger is a once in a while occurrence, doesn't impact your daily life/relationships, or is more of a temporary emotion that passes without incident, keep a watchful eye on it. But you may want to consider professional help if your anger results in:

• Failed relationships . If your romantic relationships and friendships often fail due to your angry outbursts, you may need help to manage your emotions.

• Abuse . Physical and verbal abuse is never acceptable. If your uncontrolled anger causes you to abuse, ask for help immediately.

• Job loss . Do you have a string of failed jobs that result from your lack of emotional control? This is a red flag that you need help.

• Legal problems . Arrests or lawsuits that stem from anger issues are also red flags that you need immediate help.

Whether you feel totally out of control or have mild anger issues, a therapist can help you to make changes. The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you'll take control over your life, learn how to relax, and begin to manage your anger.

Do you have an anger management problem? Contact Heritage Mental Health Clinic for more information.