Anger is a primary emotion experienced by human and animals. It is a natural, adaptive response to threats which allow us to fight and to defend ourselves when we are attacked. Anger is neither good nor bad. A certain amount of anger, therefore, is necessary to our survival.
Anger can be caused by both external and internal events. You could be angry at a specific person (e.g. a friend) or event (e.g. traffic jam), or your anger could be caused by emotional pains and trauma.
Anger becomes a problem when it is uncontrolled and leads to aggression,
impulsivity, and hostility.
Uncontrolled anger may cause you to:
- Lose a significant relationship
- Displace your aggression unnecessarily
- Financial lost (e.g. broken items, medical bills, and legal charge)
- Overlooking long-term goals in exchange for short-term relief
Below are some common responses when we are angry:
- Physical: Increased heart-rate, chest tightness, rapid breathing, tremors, flushed face.
- Psychological: Irritation, rage, resentful, self-blame/blaming others, sense of helplessness (e.g. can’t control anger)
- Behaviorial: Explosive, withdrawn, impatient, revengeful, passive-aggressive behaviour (expressing anger at someone indirectly).