Anger: It’s All Yours
Anger Havoc: Anger is a powerful & sometimes overwhelming emotion. It can cloud judgment & it can cause physical & emotional harm to self & others. Anger occurs when a perceived physical or emotional threat triggers the Fight-or-Flight response. This emotional response releases stress hormones (cortisol & adrenaline) into the blood stream. If the anger is not addressed, long-term anger will wreak havoc to one’s physical & mental health & it will deteriorate relationships including those with loved ones.
Anger Roots: The root cause of anger lies in ignorance &/or an overly strong attachment to an individual concept of a person’s reality. When personal desires are hindered, egos become threatened. When someone is unable to detach oneself from a perceived reality, the person loses the ability to understand the fundamental concept that all outcomes are interdependent & are not predictable. Having a strong attachment to specific expectations & outcomes regarding one’s self & towards others further complicates the understanding of reality. It’s the attachment to these self-defined concepts & anticipated outcomes that causes suffering & strengthens the roots of the anger.
Anger’s Home: Anger lives within us & the longer it lives there, the deeper the suffering is felt. Long-term suffering results in feelings of resentment, bitterness & injustice that corrodes one’s ability to feel inner peace. If it’s not addressed, it increases the risks of mental & physical ailments. It, also, eats away the ability to be compassionate & peaceful with ourselves, our loved-ones & all who we encounter in our world & home.
Anger Control: Anger control requires a short & long term strategy. Short-term actions require techniques that can be applied in the moment (e.g., deep breathing, counting to ten, removing one self from the trigger). Long-term actions include developing emotional intelligence & self-awareness. Some long-term approaches to develop are mindfulness, loving -kindness practices, meditation, cultivating patience & cognitive behavior techniques (e.g., reframing negative thought patterns). Healthy living, which includes nutrition, physical activities & relaxation, are also needed for a balanced approach to taking control of anger.
Anger Depression Relationship: Anger & Depression are related to individual suffering. Anger can lead to depression via guilt & shame. Depression can lead to anger via frustration & irritability. This relationship can be seen in different forms. Repressed Anger (anger turned inward, hopeless, helplessness); Chronic Stress (long-term stress hormone exposure [cortisol/ adrenaline]); Strained Interpersonal Relationships (isolation, loneliness, rejection, resentment); Emotional Dysregulation (anger & sadness fluctuations); Low Hormone Levels Related to Happiness, Focus & Calmness (Serotonin) & Rewards & Motivation (Dopamine). Recognizing the relationship between anger & depression can help to address its root cause & help to take control of these emotions.
Anger Storage: Unaddressed anger can lead to physical ailments such as chronic pain & muscle tension in the jaw, neck, shoulders & back. It can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues (hypertension, heart disease, stroke, heart attack), mental issues (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders), digestive issues (irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, reflux), suppressed immune system (infections, inflammation, slow healing), headaches, respiratory issues (shortness of breath, severity of asthma attacks), endocrine system (hormone imbalance, weight, metabolism, reproductive health), skin problems, behavioral issues (alcohol, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle). Mentally scan yourself & review your health history to find your anger risks & learn how to regulate & control your anger to live a happier & healthier life.