Dealing with Anger Issues

by Princess Kelly in Relationships, January 22, 2011

Reasons why anger should be expressed healthily and how to do so.

Anger is normal. It can be beneficial or harmful to all of us. Anger can motivate us to do the right thing, set things right, or change things in our lives. Even though anger is normal, the ways it is expressed may not be healthy.

Rage can damage relationships, physical health by added stress, and mentally drain individuals. Rage may be displayed outwardly for others to witness or suppressed which leads to other health problems.

Anxiety and depression are the results of suppressed anger in plenty of cases. Anger that is not properly imparted to others damages relationships, affects cognition and behavior patterns, and causes an aray of physical predicaments. Chronic anger has been associated with health issues dealing with high blood pressure, heart , headache, skin disorders, and digestive complications. Also, notably, anger is connected to crimes committed, verbal and nonverbal abuse, and other violent circumstances. But there are ways to cope with anger effectively. The following are ways to healthily deal with anger.

When at first angry, try deep breathing, upbeat self-talk, or stop thinking angry thoughts. Breathe deeply from your diaphragm. Slowly repeat a soothing word or phrase such as “relax” or “calm down.” Repeat it while continuously breathing deeply until the anger dissipates.
Remember anger should be expressed in a proper manner and not suppressed. But constant outbursts of rage are viewed as counterproductive and cause problems within relationships. Outward displays of anger are also hard on your nervous and cardiovascular systems which may cause health problems to worsen. The use of assertion is the healthy way to express your emotions and needs. Begin sentences with”I” such as “I feel.” Assert how you feel in a kind and respectful tone and volume.
Find support from others. By conversing with others you can get feedback and suggestions in how to deal with circumstances that have you troubled.
Journal your thoughts if you are having difficulty remembering your angry thoughts. This provides a record of the periods when you have angry spells. Also, it is a great way to vent out feelings without answering to or hurting anyone.Write down possible solutions to your situation too.
Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes to see his or her viewpoint(s).
Laugh at yourself and see the comical side in your circumstances.
Incorporate good listening skills in your life. Listening improves communication and can build feelings of trust between people. This trust can aid you in dealing with possible hostile emotions.
Distract yourself or keep busy doing something that takes your mind off the subject that bothers you. Watch television, read a magazine or good book, etc.
Exercise to vent out negative feelings. There’s nothing like exerting yourself that takes you from ill feelings to uplifted feelings.
Lastly, communicate feelings placidly and directly without being guarded, hostile, or charged psychologically in a emotional sense. Refer to self-help books on assertiveness or contact a professional therapist to learn methods in using assertiveness. Also a therapist can give other tips on developing anger management skills.