Anger is one of the basic human emotions, as elemental as happiness , sadness, anxiety , or disgust. These emotions are tied to basic survival and were honed over the course of human history.
Anger is related to the “fight, flight, or freeze” response of the sympathetic nervous system ; it prepares humans to fight. But fighting doesn't necessarily mean throwing punches. It might motivate communities to combat injustice by changing laws or enforcing new norms.
Of course, anger too easily or frequently mobilized can undermine relationships or damage physical health in the long term. Prolonged release of the stress hormones that accompany anger can destroy neurons in areas of the brain associated with judgment and short-term memory , and weaken the immune system.
For those who struggle with chronic anger, or for those who only experience occasional outbursts, learning skills to identify and navigate this powerful emotion can lead to growth and change.
Key Takeaways
- Anger affects mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing
- Understanding anger is the first step toward managing it
- Evidence-based approaches can significantly improve outcomes
- Building daily habits is more effective than one-time interventions
How Can You Manage Anger?
Anger, like all emotions, should be monitored with self-awareness. This can prevent it from spiraling into hostile, aggressive, or violent behavior toward others or oneself.
Support groups for anger management can help people understand anger, identify its triggers, and develop skills to manage their emotions. In groups or individual settings, cognitive restructuring can coach patients to reframe unhealthy, inflammatory thoughts.
Outside of therapy , techniques from deep breathing and emotion labelling to adopting a problem-solving mindset can help people learn to navigate anger on their own.
If you are often carried away by anger, it can be helpful to understand the patterns that trigger you. It's possible to intervene at different points along the way to deal with anger effectively .
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Sleep: Sleep deprivation makes it harder to control angry impulses, so regular, healthy sleep can prevent you from being provoked.
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Consider alternative interpretations: And ask yourself what evidence you have to support your angering interpretation. Consider different perspectives.
Is Anger a Mental Health Condition?
Everyone experiences anger at some point. It becomes problematic, however, when the frequency or severity of anger interferes with relationships, work performance, legal standing, or mental health.
While there is no official “anger disorder,” dysfunctional anger and aggression can be a symptom of Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder . It may also play a role in manic episodes , ADHD , and narcissism.
Anger doesn't require a formal diagnosis to be disruptive or to benefit from help with its management.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is an impulse control disorder characterized by repeated angry outbursts, representing a failure to control aggressive impulses. These outbursts can involve verbal or physical aggression and result in property damage or physical injury. These reactions are also severely out of proportion to the event that sparked the episode.
Of the various disorders related to anger, perhaps IED most accurately describes the escalating explosions of violence we are witnessing today such as mass shootings . It may emerge from a failure to recognize and consciously address anger as it arises, before it becomes pathological and dangerous, perhaps starting in childhood .
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is anger?
Anger is one of the basic human emotions, as elemental as happiness , sadness, anxiety , or disgust. These emotions are tied to basic survival and were honed over the course of human history.
How can anger be treated?
Anger, like all emotions, should be monitored with self-awareness. This can prevent it from spiraling into hostile, aggressive, or violent behavior toward others or oneself. Support groups for anger management can help people understand anger, identify its triggers, and develop skills to manage their emotions. In groups or individual settings, cognitive restructuring can coach patients to reframe
Is anger a serious condition?
Anger exists on a spectrum. While mild forms are a normal part of life, persistent or severe anger can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. It's important to seek professional support if anger is interfering with work, relationships, or wellbeing.
Learn More
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