Anger is a natural emotion that all humans experience from time to time. It is a complex emotion that can be caused by a variety of things, from feeling threatened or frustrated to feeling betrayed or wronged. While it is a normal emotion, when it becomes extreme or prolonged, it can have serious consequences. This article will discuss anger, its causes, effects, and how to manage it in a healthy way.
The physiological response to anger is a natural part of our fight-or-flight response. When we perceive a threat, our body releases a cascade of hormones and neurotransmitters, such as adrenaline and cortisol, that cause our heart rate and blood pressure to increase. These hormones also cause us to become more alert, heighten our senses, and increase our strength and energy (Kleinknecht, 1989).
The causes of anger vary from person to person. It can be triggered by external events, such as feeling threatened or frustrated, or by internal thoughts and beliefs, such as feeling betrayed or wronged (Campbell, 2004). It is important to identify what triggers your anger in order to effectively manage it.
Anger can have both short-term and long-term effects on our physical and mental health. In the short-term, it can cause us to become tense and agitated, and it can impair our judgment and lead to impulsive, destructive behaviors (Gross, 1998). In the long-term, it can lead to serious physical and mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and even heart disease (Denson, Ronquillo, & Pedersen, 2011).
The best way to manage anger is to identify the triggers and take steps to address them. It is important to learn how to express your anger in a healthy way, such as talking to someone or writing in a journal. It is also important to practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, to calm yourself down (Lazarus, 1991).
In conclusion, anger is a normal emotion, but when it becomes extreme or prolonged, it can have serious consequences. It is important to identify the triggers of your anger and take steps to address them in a healthy way. By recognizing and managing your anger, you can reduce its impacts on your physical and mental health.
References
Campbell, J. D. (2004). The Nature of Anger. In J. D. Campbell (Ed.), Anger Management: The Complete Treatment Guidebook for Practitioners (pp. 19-38). London: Sage Publications.
Denson, T. F., Ronquillo, J., & Pedersen, W. C. (2011). The Cognitive and Physiological Antecedents and Consequences of Anger. In M. Potegal & J. Stemmler (Eds.), The Study of Anger in Humans: Vol. 1 Biological Foundations (pp. 111-127). New York: Springer.
Gross, J. J. (1998). Antecedent- and Response-Focused Emotion Regulation: Divergent Consequences for Experience, Expression, and Physiology. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74(1), 224-237.
Kleinknecht, R. A. (1989). Anger, Hostility, and the Heart. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 33(2), 145-152.
Lazarus, R. S. (1991). Emotion and Adaptation. New York: Oxford University Press.