Anger Management
Anger has a reputation for being an unsavory emotion, and many people believe it’s best not to express it. The truth is that anger, like every emotion, is healthy, natural, and deserves acknowledgment. Problems arise when people handle their anger inappropriately or not at all, and that’s where anger management can be helpful.
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Do You Need Anger Management Treatment?
We all get angry for various reasons, and what upsets one person may not upset another. Anger is incredibly subjective, so knowing how to handle and express it healthily is essential. If you recognize any of these examples of anger management problems in yourself, you may want to seek treatment:
- You are physically or verbally aggressive when angry.
- You angrily react in a way that is disproportionate to the situation.
- Your anger is affecting your professional and personal relationships.
Recognizing Anger as a Secondary Emotion
We call anger a “secondary emotion” because it’s often a direct response to another emotion. Nobody likes to feel vulnerable, so when you feel sad, fearful, or embarrassed, being angry is an easy way to conceal the other emotions. The next time you find yourself feeling angry, take a minute to pause and check in with yourself. Consider asking yourself: Am I feeling embarrassed or scared? Am I disappointed or hurt? Am I overwhelmed?
How Your Body Feels When You're Angry
You may try to conceal your anger from others, but you can’t hide it from your body. The next time you’re mad, note what you’re feeling physically. These are things you’ll likely notice:
- Your heart is beating faster.
- Your muscles, especially in your jaw and hands, tense up.
- You start sweating.
- You talk louder or faster than usual.
Poor Anger Management Can Cause Physical Problems
When you get angry, your body enters fight-or-flight mode and prepares for possible conflict by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Your body redirects blood flow and energy to your muscles so you can run or defend yourself. This change in your physical state is appropriate when in danger. However, if you consistently find yourself feeling angry, you can develop physical health problems, including:
- Heart disease and increased risk of stroke
- Digestive issues
- Increased inflammation throughout your body
- Flare-ups of skin conditions, like Eczema, Psoriasis, and Rosacea
What You Learn During Anger Management Treatment
Since anger is a healthy, normal emotion, the goal of anger management therapy is not to stop you from becoming angry in the future. During anger management treatment, you will learn three things that will help you process anger healthily:
- Relaxation Techniques: Relaxing your body will decrease the physiological response to anger. Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and positive visualization will help bring your body back to calm.
- Cognitive Reframing: It sounds complex, but cognitive reframing is simply learning to change how you think about and respond to different situations. Avoiding all-or-nothing words like “always” or “never” will help you view things more rationally instead of from an extreme point of view.
- Communication Skills: Misunderstandings often cause people to become angry. Learning to communicate effectively will help you avoid them. Anger management therapy will help you to recognize and express your needs while respecting the needs of others.
The Mind Matters Difference
Our team of therapists knows that your mind matters, and we can help you harness its power so you can live a happier, more balanced life. You’re more than just a client file to us; we don’t have a cookie-cutter approach to anger management. Mental health is vital for everyone, and our goal is to make treatment accessible and welcoming to anyone who needs it.
Anger Management Therapy Near Lexington, Kentucky and Columbus, Ohio
Don’t let your anger get the best of you. Contact Mind Matters today to schedule an appointment with one of our caring, experienced therapists. At Mind Matters, we believe everyone matters, and we will help you become the best version of yourself. We offer therapy services in Lexington, Kentucky, Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding area.