What is Anger?

 

Anger is a natural and normal human emotion. Everyone feels angry sometimes — it’s part of being human and can even be healthy.

There are many reasons why we might feel angry. It could be because we’ve been treated unfairly or hurt by others. Sometimes, anger arises from difficult experiences in our daily lives, past events, or challenges in the world around us. Other times, anger can be a way of coping with feelings like fear, embarrassment, or helplessness.

It’s also common not to fully understand why we’re angry — and that’s okay. We don’t always need to explain or justify our feelings.

Sometimes, anger can serve a useful purpose. But it can also be difficult to manage and, if left unchecked, make life more challenging.

Learning how to recognize, express, and manage anger effectively can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing.

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When Can Anger Be Helpful?

Anger isn’t always a problem. In fact, it can sometimes be helpful by:

• Highlighting problems that need attention

• Protecting us from harm

• Giving us energy and focus to tackle difficult tasks

• Motivating us to push for change or stand up against injustice

• Helping us defend ourselves in dangerous situations through our body’s natural “fight or flight” response

A healthy amount of protective anger can be empowering and even healing.

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When Can Anger Be Unhelpful?

At times, anger can cause difficulties. It can:

• Distract us from important tasks

• Lead us to say or do things we later regret

• Make communication harder or more confrontational

• Cause conflict in relationships

• Leave us feeling guilty or ashamed

• Prevent us from understanding and managing other emotions

• Affect our ability to take care of ourselves

• Lower our self-esteem

• Impact our physical health, such as disrupting sleep

• Cause others to judge us negatively

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When Does Anger Become a Problem?

Everyone struggles with anger sometimes, but it may be becoming a problem if you notice:

• Feeling unable to control your anger or feeling controlled by it

• Expressing anger in harmful ways, such as violence or self-harm

• Worrying that your behavior might be abusive

• Anger damaging your relationships, work, or daily activities

• Frequently upsetting or frightening those around you

• Being unable to focus on daily life because of anger

• Constantly thinking about your anger

• Often regretting things you say or do when angry

• Anger harming your mental or physical health

• Anger becoming your main or only way of feeling, blocking other emotions

• Experiencing memory blackouts when angry

• Using alcohol or drugs to manage anger

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s important to know you’re not alone, and help is available.

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Managing Anger

We can’t simply make anger disappear — it’s a normal emotion. But if anger is causing problems, there are ways to manage it better. Seeking professional support and treatment can make a big difference, especially if you’re worried about harming yourself or others.