Do I Have Anger Issues?

Anger is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, anger that is intense, frequent, or out of control can be a sign of an anger problem.

Signs and Symptoms of Anger Problems

Anger problems can manifest differently from person to person. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Physical symptoms:
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Muscle tension
  • Sweating
  • Flushing
  • Shaking
• Emotional symptoms:
  • Irritability
  • Frustration
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Guilt
  • Shame
• Behavioral symptoms:
  • Verbally or physically lashing out
  • Engaging in aggressive behavior
  • Isolating oneself
  • Engaging in self-destructive behaviors

Determining If You Have Anger Issues

If you are concerned that you may have anger issues, there are a few questions you can ask yourself:

• Do I feel angry very often?
• Do I get into heated arguments that spin out of control?
• Have my family or friends told me that I have anger issues?
• Do I have conflicts with my coworkers?
• Am I not welcome at certain stores or establishments?
• Have I had violent thoughts or behaved violently when angry?
• Have I been arrested due to an anger-related incident?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have anger issues. It is important to talk to a mental health professional to get a diagnosis and treatment.

Impact of Uncontrolled Anger

Uncontrolled anger can have a negative impact on your mental health, your relationships, your physical health, and your work life.

• Mental health: Uncontrolled anger can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
• Relationships: Anger can cause problems in your relationships with your partner, family, friends, and coworkers.
• Physical health: Anger can take a toll on your physical health, increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
• Work life: Anger can lead to conflict with coworkers, decreased productivity, and job loss.

Seeking Treatment for Anger Issues

If you are struggling with anger issues, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand the causes of your anger, develop coping skills, and manage your emotions in a healthy way.

There are various types of anger management therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies can help you:

• Identify your triggers
• Learn how to express your anger in a healthy way
• Develop coping mechanisms for dealing with anger
• Improve your communication and problem-solving skills

Coping With Anger Issues

In addition to seeking professional help, there are a number of things you can do on your own to cope with anger issues. These include:

• Pause before you react. When you feel angry, take a few deep breaths and try to calm down before you react.
• Identify your triggers. Once you know what triggers your anger, you can avoid them or prepare yourself for them.
• Seek social support. Talk to your friends, family, or therapist about your anger issues. It can be helpful to have people who understand what you are going through.
• Take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. These things can help you manage stress and improve your overall health.
• Learn relaxation techniques. There are a number of relaxation techniques that can help you calm down when you are feeling angry. These include deep breathing, yoga, and meditation.

A Word From Verywell

Anger is a normal emotion, but it can be a problem if it is intense, frequent, or out of control. If you are struggling with anger issues, don't be afraid to seek help. With the right treatment, you can learn to manage your anger and live a healthier, happier life.