Everyone gets angry sometimes. It’s a natural part of being human, and anger has a place in a healthy emotional spectrum.
Sometimes, however, anger can get out of hand. It can show up too often, hang around for too long, or happen too easily. Unmanageable anger can be incredibly harmful both to the person experiencing it and those they interact with, psychologically and physically. It can strain family and working relationships and place physical stress on the angry person, manifesting in high blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease.
It may be difficult to recognize if you need help managing your anger. If you recognize any of the following, you might consider counseling:
- Family or friends have told you that you may have an anger problem
- People have distanced themselves from you because of your behavior
- You feel angry often
- You have trouble getting along with family and coworkers
- You think about being aggressive or violent when angry, or have been aggressive or violent when angry
If any of these sound familiar, you may need counseling. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most-researched type of therapy for anger management. It helps people recognize harmful thought patterns and change the way that they think. For anger management, this can involve identifying anger triggers, becoming aware of one’s emotions throughout the process of being angry, and even uncovering whether there are other mental health issues related to anger, such as depression or anxiety.
Managing your anger is healthy for you and those around you. Check with your insurance provider to find a licensed counselor or psychologist near you. Constant anger is hard on you and your friends and family, and there is no shame in getting help.
RESOURCES:
Understanding anger: How psychologists help with anger problems (apa.org)
Anger Management (goodtherapy.org)