Anger Management

How important is it for you to be right? You’ve got this!

Anger is the result of sustained frustration about a situation or event that is not conforming with our reality, wishes or beliefs. It usually begins with being hurt or frightened, emotions that will change into anger. When a person is feeling angry, there is an urge to respond and take action. Experiencing anger has an impact not only on your emotions but on your body, too. When the brain receives signals that you perceive as a threat, it will release adrenaline and noradrenaline. These increase your heart rate and you will breathe faster, preparing for a fight or flight response. This is the reason why some people argue, fight and shout whilst others prefer to walk out slamming doors and adopt a passive aggressive behaviour.

Symptoms:
- Muscle tension
- Clenching jaw, fists
- Increased heart rate, tremors
- Headache
- Inability to think rationally

Uncontrolled anger can have serious consequences on one’s career, personal life and relationships. Here is a list with potential behaviours related to the type of anger a person experiences:

Passive Aggressive Anger
- Drinking or substance abuse
- Giving a cold shoulder, fake smile, unable to take decisions or changes his/her mind quickly
- Being evasive
- Obsessive behaviour like needing to clean and tidy the house
- Using emotional blackmail, promiscuity
- Secretive behaviour
- Self-blame

Aggressive Anger 
- Bullying
- Destruction (of objects, relationships), abuse
- Grandiosity
- Violence
- Risk taking behaviour
- Ignoring other’s needs
- Blaming others
- Unpredictable behaviour

People feel angry when someone mistreats them or if someone they care about has been treated badly. When anger rises, the person can perceive the threat as smaller than it really is, and his/her actions seem less risky.

How can I help
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for anger management will work with reconstructing your thoughts and beliefs for increasing the coping mechanisms and frustration tolerance.