anger management

Anger, fury and rage. Different words, same meaning. Anger is one of our many emotions when expressed, can invoke either hope or war. Anger is what we need in order to survive. It's tied to the "flight or fright" response. It is what helps us fight. However, anger can bring the ugly side of us when it gets out of control. Which is fine every once in a while. Everyone loses their temper. That's normal. Although if it continues to happen for an extended period of time then it can become a problem. Which I will outline and talk about within this article.

With the topic of anger issues the idea of losing control usually makes people think of the Marvel character Bruce Banner aka The Incredible Hulk or DC's character Caitlin Snow aka Killer Frost. And of course, just like Bruce Banner or Caitlin Snow, when we bottle up our anger for an unhealthy amount of time, when triggered by emotional stress we can explode similar to a ticking time-bomb. This can also likely lead to making illogical decisions and a lapse in judgement. 

The symptoms of prolonged anger include; irritation, chest tightening and increase in heart and blood pressure. The consequences of an outrage can lead to damage in relationships, health (physical and mental) or substance/drug abuse.

When people usually look at me, they would never think I could get angry about anything. The idea of me being angry would be similar to an angry puppy. (Or at least that's what I've been told.) Nonetheless, I can get angry. Furious even. To the point where I used to scream into my pillow until my voice was hoarse, threw things across the room and even destroyed my entire room. (It was not a pretty sight.) And the only people to bear witness to my anger are my parents and my younger sister. Due to the fact that, just like the majority of people, I kept my anger bottled up until something triggered it, which caused me to go on a rampage. My parents and sister usually had to bear the brunt of it.

Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), not only isn't it necessary to talk about my anger to a professional but I was even taught how to release my anger without having a screaming match with my family. I was taught breathing exercises that would exhale my anger out and I would channel my anger by listening to music. As well as having a "rant buddy" (who is a close friend of mine) where the both of us can rant and rave about our problems. 

If you or someone you know are dealing with anger management then I recommend you to please seek help. Whether it’s through CBT, breathing exercises or having a “rant buddy” these methods can really help you in the long run. Although you may or may not know me, keeping your anger bottled up is never a good idea.  

Anger, like all emotions, can get out of control. We can easily be overcome but the sudden emotion which can lead us to do the most atrocious actions. Resulting afterwards to feel immense guilt. Although as long as we can acknowledge our temper, we can control it. And with the newfound peace  it can lead to better relationships and healthier lifestyle. 

To understand more about Anger Management, you can check out:
https://www.mindshiftwellnesscenter.com/what-is-the-best-therapy-for-anger-management/
Indie Sahota

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