10 Truths You May Not Know About Anger
Among the full range of human emotions ‘anger’ is likely the most feared and misunderstood. Here’s some things you may not know about anger.
1. Anger is a set of behaviors that can include yelling, kicking, fighting, drinking, drugging, cheating and so on. Any word ending in ING is a verb and behaviors are verbs.
2. Everyone uses anger behaviors at one time or another because we have learned that they “work.”
3. Anger behaviors can be justified, are usually rationalized and are always authentic and genuine. Anger is the one behavior people do not “fake”.
4. When we say, “anger is an emotion”, we are referring to the emotions of hurt and fear. Anger is the sound of hurt and fear leaving our souls.
5. When we say we “feel angry” we are “feeling” the automatic emotions our thoughts are driving and the physiological affects of the Flight/Fight/Freeze Response, which is our body physically preparing to run or kick some, or someone’s, butt.
6. You cannot control emotions; they are automatically fueled by thoughts. However, you can choose how you interpret the world around you. This is called a coping skill.
7. Behaviors, including anger behaviors, express our thoughts and emotions while also trying to fulfil our needs for connectedness or autonomy or recognition.
8. We can choose the behaviors that express our thoughts and emotions and fulfill needs. That choice is then evaluated, by us and others, as being either effective/ineffective and healthy/unhealthy. Ineffective and unhealthy behaviors destroy lives.
9. When a behavior effectively communicates our thoughts and emotions AND fulfills our needs, we continue to use it. Especially if it remains effective in fulfilling some need. Anger behaviors are usually effective just not healthy for us and our relationships
10. Ending anger behaviors comes when we heal the hurt and fear that is triggered as we ‘sense’ and interpret the world around us.
By learning, and using, good coping skills to evaluate which behaviors are effective and healthy, we can choose to respond to life situations appropriately.
If you think you may be struggling with anger we can help.
If you are, or someone you know is, is struggling with anger management issues, we at Barrington Behavioral Health and Wellness are here to help.
Phone: 1-888-261-2178
Email: help@barringtonbhw.com
Bob Zima
MA, LCPC
Bob Zima is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor specializing in evidence-based, comprehensive treatment and is a frequent presenter at state and regional conferences.
Bob has received numerous awards and commendations for his work and support of local, regional and mental health communities.
Other articles you may be interested in
Don't Be Shy. Get In Touch
Contact us today to schedule your first appointment!
