Definition
Anger is a normal human emotion experienced by everyone. When felt at a level that is manageable, and expressed in a healthy way, anger can be adaptive. However, when anger is not managed in a healthy way, felt at an overwhelming intensity and/or felt chronically, it can be highly destructive.
The consequences of mismanaged anger are profound, impacting a person’s relationships, work and mental and physical health. The good news is that anyone can learn how to cope with their feelings and manage and express their anger in a healthy way.
Mental health problems associated with mismanaged anger include anxiety and depression, substance abuse, eating disorders and sleep disorders.
Health problems associated with mismanaged anger include migraines, backaches, and cardiovascular problems.
.
At the extreme end of the spectrum anger can lead to violence and/or abuse of another person by using fear and intimidation.
.
Not everyone who has trouble managing their anger directs it at other people, some people may turn their anger inwards towards themselves.
Symptoms of Anger
Treatment
Treatment aims to help a person understand their anger and why it happens, then provides techniques to reduce the emotion, thoughts, physiological sensations associated as well as change any unhealthy behavior patterns.
Although it may not be possible to change the environment of people that lead to feelings of anger, a person may learn how to build resilience to such situations so they feel more in control of their emotions, thoughts and reactions. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is an example of a therapy that can be used to learn relaxation, thought challenging, communication and problem solving to help a person better manage their anger.
The concept of identity is important in Narrative Therapy. The approach aims not conflate people’s identities with the problems they may face or the mistakes they have made. Rather, the approach seeks to avoid modernist, essentialist notions of the self that leads people to believe there is a biologically determined “true self” or “true nature”. Instead, identity is seen as primarily social that can be changed according to the choices people make. To separate people’s identities from the problems they face, Narrative Therapy employs externalizing conversations. The process of externalization allows people to consider their relationships with problems, thus the narrative motto: “The person is not the problem, the problem is the problem.” So-called strengths or positive attributes are also externalized, allowing people to engage in the construction and performance of preferred identities.
To learn more, book an appointment at the Soul Illuming, or get in touch.
All rights reserved for Soul Illuming. Copyright © 2017