By Phil Rosenbaum
Anger is a real issue for many people, especially in these times. One study found that 42% of Americans are angrier now than before COVID. Another study showed that 84% of Americans are angrier now than a generation ago. Some areas that cause the greatest anger include money issues, overwork, lack of adequate pay, poor health, current politics, and media actions.
Anger, unfortunately, can have many negative consequences. Prominent among these are physical and mental health problems. Anger has been found to increase the rate of heart attacks, strokes, and other chronic diseases. It can disrupt digestion and lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can affect concentration and make it difficult to think clearly. Anger is also linked to emotional disorders like anxiety and depression and can negatively affect sleep. Anger can lead to arguments, physical fights, assaults, and self-harm. It can damage relationships, including friendships, marriages, and families. It can lead to job loss and even incarceration.
On the other hand, anger has some positive aspects, such as helping us express negative feelings or motivating us to find solutions to problems. It can also help protect us from an enemy. It can empower us and help us attain our goals. It can provide insight into our faults and shortcomings and lead to self-improvement.
There are three basic types of anger expression: outward aggression, inward aggression, and passive aggression. All three can have detrimental effects. Outward expression can lead to many of the problems mentioned above. Inward aggression can be harmful to one’s physical or mental health. Passive aggression, an indirect form, can also have harmful results. An outward expression can be helpful if done in an assertive manner where no one is injured.
If you find yourself feeling angry, there are certain actions you can take. You can engage in physical activity. Talking to a friend or supportive person can be helpful. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help. If appropriate, express your anger in an assertive manner. In addition, reframing your thoughts can make you feel better. For example, if you are driving and someone cuts you off, rather than cursing the person, consider that they may have just received some terrible news or are experiencing an emergency and need to get somewhere very quickly. There is no way to know why the person did what they did, so why not give the person the benefit of the doubt?
Other techniques include:
- Enjoying nature.
- Going to the gym or exercising.
- Screaming, if no one is around.
- Possibly beating up on some pillows or a mattress.
- Even taking a towel and twisting it tightly.
Deep breathing can help. If you are not already doing it, consider meditating or taking classes like yoga or Tai Chi. Visualizing a peaceful or relaxing scene is also a good way to calm yourself down. Trying new activities can also improve your state of mind.
If you are having problems with anger and have not been able to deal with them constructively, you might want to get some outside help. Therapy and couples counseling can be extremely valuable.
Hypnotherapy is another effective way to help you relax and better deal with your anger. It can also help you discover why certain situations are causing you so much distress.
If you want to learn more about hypnotherapy or experience a session, please call Phil Rosenbaum at 248-688-6469. Don’t let anger destroy your happiness.
