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Anger
We all get angry. But what happens when you get angry all the time? Maybe you lost your cool at an inappropriate time, or you ended up saying something you later regretted. It's important to notice your triggers to see what is setting you off consistently.
The Different Types of Anger
Anger can be a primary emotion, such as an automatic reaction to an event, or a secondary emotion, that is, a reaction to another underlying emotion (such as fear, hurt, or sadness). Anger can be felt and expressed at different levels of intensity: irritation, indignation, wrath, fury, rage, and hostility. People express anger in different ways. The “cream puff” is passive and represses their anger. The “locomotive” is explosive and reactive. The “steel magnolia” is passive-aggressive while the “mature responder” speaks the truth constructively in love.*
How to Manage Anger
A counselor can help you become more of a mature responder by first building awareness of your anger by taking note of specific triggers that cause you to become angry. If your anger is in reaction to external events, a therapist can help you find ways to change your situation (or your attitude toward unchangeable situations). If you are under a lot of stress, your counselor will help you find ways to decrease your stress load, set boundaries, and find ways to detach in a healthy way. Many people who struggle with anger may actually be feeling depressed or anxious underneath. If there are underlying emotions beneath your anger, a counselor can help address those as well. If you are a person of faith, spiritually-integrated counseling can help you discover the resources of you faith, identify your values, and introduce you to spiritual practices that can help bring you peace in the midst of turmoil.
The Different Types of Anger
Anger can be a primary emotion, such as an automatic reaction to an event, or a secondary emotion, that is, a reaction to another underlying emotion (such as fear, hurt, or sadness). Anger can be felt and expressed at different levels of intensity: irritation, indignation, wrath, fury, rage, and hostility. People express anger in different ways. The “cream puff” is passive and represses their anger. The “locomotive” is explosive and reactive. The “steel magnolia” is passive-aggressive while the “mature responder” speaks the truth constructively in love.*
How to Manage Anger
A counselor can help you become more of a mature responder by first building awareness of your anger by taking note of specific triggers that cause you to become angry. If your anger is in reaction to external events, a therapist can help you find ways to change your situation (or your attitude toward unchangeable situations). If you are under a lot of stress, your counselor will help you find ways to decrease your stress load, set boundaries, and find ways to detach in a healthy way. Many people who struggle with anger may actually be feeling depressed or anxious underneath. If there are underlying emotions beneath your anger, a counselor can help address those as well. If you are a person of faith, spiritually-integrated counseling can help you discover the resources of you faith, identify your values, and introduce you to spiritual practices that can help bring you peace in the midst of turmoil.
Counselors who provide this service:
*Oliver, Gary J., and Carrie E. Oliver. “Managing Your Anger.” Caring for People God's Way: Personal and Emotional Issues, Addictions, Grief, and Trauma, edited by Timothy E. Clinton et al., Nelson Reference & Electronic, 2010, pp. 201–219.
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
