Anger is a natural and instinctive response to perceived threats. It is an emotion that is necessary for our survival, but it can be a problem when it gets out of control, causing us to say or do things that we later regret.
What causes anger problems? There are many causes of anger, such as stress, family problems or even financial issues. Of course, while anger itself is not considered a disorder, it can in some cases be a symptom that indicates mental health conditions.
Ways of experiencing anger
As a basic emotion, anger, but also the aggression that often coexists with anger, can be externalised, internalised and therefore experienced as internal processes or expressed in a more passive and indirect way.
1. Anger Extroversion
Basically, it is the expression of anger in ways that may include behaviours such as, for example, shouting, insults or abusive practices that may be verbal or physical and involve the outside world.
2. Injection of anger emotion
This type of anger is oriented towards yourself. It includes negative and critical self-dialogue, refusal to give yourself things that make you happy, and in extreme cases it may even include refusal to meet basic needs such as food. Self-harm and isolation from people are other ways in which anger can be directed inward.
3. Passive expression of anger
This practice of expressing anger involves the use of indirect ways of expressing the basic emotion (passive-aggressive). Examples of this “passive-aggressive” behaviour include the use of silent treatment, sarcastic and critical comments.
Anger causes symptoms
Anger causes physical and emotional symptoms. While it is normal to experience these symptoms occasionally, a person with anger problems tends to experience them more often and to a more severe degree. Here are some of the most common symptoms caused by anger.
1. Physical symptoms
Anger affects different parts of your body, including your heart, brain and muscles. According to a study, anger also causes an increase in testosterone levels and a decrease in cortisol levels.
Some of the physical symptoms of anger include:
- increased blood pressure
- increased heart rate
- tingling sensation
- muscle tension
2. Emotional symptoms
A variety of emotions co-exist with anger. You may notice the following emotional symptoms before, during or after an anger episode:
- irritability or irritability
- concern
- rage
- stress
- feeling restless or anxious
- guilt
