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What is Anger?

Anger is a natural and healthy emotion experienced by everyone at some point. It occurs when an individual is faced with a threat, is prevented from fulfilling their needs and desires, or encounters a situation that they find upsetting or undesirable. Although it has negative connotations, anger is a natural emotion, like joy, happiness, fear, or sadness. However, the intensity of anger, the way it is expressed, and its controllability can vary from person to person.

What Causes Anger?

The causes and triggers of anger are generally complex and can involve many factors:

Stress

Individuals under intense stress may experience anger more frequently and severely. Sources of stress, such as workload, financial problems, family conflicts, or health issues, can trigger anger.

Frustration

Feeling blocked or frustrated, especially when trying to achieve goals, can lead to anger. Common triggers include unmet expectations, disrupted plans, or failure to reach goals.

Perception of Injustice

People may feel anger when they believe that an injustice has been done to them or others. This could involve situations like being treated unfairly at work, experiencing discrimination, or being falsely accused.

Attacks on Personal Values

A perceived attack on an individual's personal values, beliefs, or identity can also trigger feelings of anger. This could include disrespect towards religious or cultural values, violation of personal boundaries, or being subjected to humiliation.

Communication Problems

Misunderstandings, lack of communication, or differences in communication styles can lead to anger, especially in relationships.

Personal Experiences

Negative past experiences or traumas can make it easier for the emotion of anger to be triggered. For example, individuals who have experienced neglect or abuse during childhood may have more frequent problems with anger control.

Physiological Factors

In some cases, the feeling of anger can be associated with physiological factors. Lack of sleep, hunger, or certain health problems can lower an individual’s anger threshold, making them more prone to anger.

The causes and triggers of anger vary according to individual differences. Therefore, when developing anger management strategies, it is important to understand the individual’s specific situation and the underlying causes of their anger.

What is an Anger Control Problem (Anger Management Disorder)?

An anger management disorder is characterized by the excessive, disproportionate, and uncontrollable expression of anger. Individuals with anger management disorder often experience disproportionate and intense outbursts of anger in response to small or insignificant triggers. These outbursts can manifest as verbal or physical aggression, or even violence. Such reactions can seriously damage personal and professional relationships, lead to social isolation, and even cause legal problems.

What Are the Symptoms of Anger Management Problems?

Individuals with anger management problems often exhibit the following symptoms:

  • Frequent and uncontrollable outbursts of anger
  • Physical aggression or violent behaviors
  • Outbursts of anger that are disproportionate to the triggering event or situation
  • Verbal aggression
  • Constant tension, irritation, or feelings of anger
  • A tendency to blame others
  • Behaviours that endanger their own or others' safety
  • Frequent outbursts of anger over minor issues
  • Persistent feelings of frustration or irritability
  • Difficulty calming down after becoming angry
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