How do I know if I
have an anger management
problem?
Ironically, those who view themselves as non-emotional might actually be comfortable expressing anger while struggling with other emotions. When emotions aren’t expressed healthily, anger can serve as a pressure valve for releasing built-up tension.
Anger often stems from the brain’s belief that its perspective is always right. Consequently, individuals may not recognise their own anger issues, even if others do. It’s important to consider feedback from those around you about your anger.
If you often feel frustrated or irritable with stress or unexpected changes, it may signal anger management issues. This low tolerance can result in outbursts or disproportionate reactions, making it hard to stay calm in challenging situations.
If you are in danger, call 911 now.
Emergency services are available to provide the support and protection you need. Your well-being is paramount, and taking this step can save your life.
We can help you identify the root causes of your anger and develop healthier ways to express and manage your emotions.
Anger is one of the most focused emotions in the brain, with its main source being the left hemisphere. Emotions related to anger, like disgust and irritability, are also connected to this side of the brain. The left hemisphere is primarily involved in how we view ourselves and compete socially, which might explain why anger often originates there. Additionally, anger is one of the most difficult emotions to control.
There are many reasons why we might feel angry, but a key idea to remember is that anger often arises when deeper emotions are either unnecessary or being suppressed. This is why anger can sometimes mask more profound emotions, but it is a surface-level response. For example, anger might be used to cover up fear, as in some situations, being scared won’t help you survive, but getting angry might.
Anger is a natural and healthy emotion experienced by everyone. While you can’t eliminate anger, it can become destructive if not managed properly, leading to various personal problems. Although you can’t “cure” anger, you can learn to control its intensity and impact on your life. Discouraging anger, especially in children, can have more detrimental effects than allowing it to be expressed.
The idea that anger might increase with age could be related to the fact that as we grow older, we often have fewer restrictions and more freedom to express ourselves compared to when we were children. Anger is a normal emotion and can be a valuable teacher, serving as a starting point to explore the deeper emotions that lie beneath.
One perspective is that anger is a surface-level emotion that is easily triggered. If you’re frequently feeling angry, it might be because you’re avoiding deeper emotions, leaving anger as your go-to response. It’s important to remember that there isn’t really an “anger problem” on its own. Instead, if anger is present without other emotions to balance it, it can become like a wildfire with no water to control it.
To manage anger effectively, you must be willing to acknowledge that you have emotions, that you are, in fact, an emotional being at your core, and that these emotions are not inherently bad. Accepting this can be challenging, which is often why people avoid anger management in the first place. Understanding your anger involves recognizing how it feels and what it signifies, which are some of the initial steps in therapy.
