In society today, we see anger outbreaks frequently. Some of our favorite television shows, movies, and sports revolve around anger and the issues associated with it.
Anger is a normal response felt by all humans. It’s okay to feel angry when you’ve been wronged. However, it isn’t healthy when your anger becomes chronic and harms other people around you.
If you or someone you know is struggling with managing anger, please consider seeing a therapist. Here are a few reasons why therapy would be helpful:
Effect on Morale. Your anger doesn’t only affect you; it affects your spouse, children, co-workers, friends, other family, and even strangers. If you are constantly losing your temper around your spouse and children, it might lead to divorce or cause your family to fear you. If you are known as the hot-headed boss, chances are your team’s creativity will diminish, and they will fear having to work with you on projects. Your anger will eventually produce a hostile work environment.
Go Deeper. A therapist will probably ask a few questions:
- Where is this anger coming from? It might not be an easy question to answer without the help of a professional. Some factors that cause anger might not be recognized by the person experiencing it: unresolved issues from a painful divorce, grief from an illness and/or death, or having been neglected as a child and keeping those emotional wounds covered for years.
- What triggers your anger, and what are your warning signs? Chances are, you have physical warning signs (knots in your stomach, sweatiness, clenching your fists or jaw, pounding heart, etc.). It’s important that you become aware of how your body reacts to anger so that you can take steps to manage it before it gets out of control.
Learn How to Cope. How can you release your anger without hurting others? Express, suppress, calm. It’s key to learn how to express your anger in an assertive manner without being aggressive or disrespectful.
Anger can be suppressed and redirected. Instead of yelling or fighting with someone, learn how to walk away from the situation. Perhaps you take up kickboxing, weight lifting, or running as a way to redirect your anger.
In order to calm yourself down, you’ll need to learn the proper steps to lower your heart rate with deep breathing exercises. Other ways include taking a five minute break from the situation, counting to ten, or taking time to stretch or massage your temples.
If you would like to set up an appointment to see Reka, you can reach her at 402-881-8125. You can also email her at reka@omaha-counseling.com, or connect with her via Twitter or Facebook.
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photo credit: Thomas Hawk via photopin cc
