Anger
Anger is a natural, complex emotional response that often serves as a protective response to a perceived threat; it is an element of the ‘fight/flight’ functioning of our nervous system. In the context of trauma, one may have felt powerless or threatened and anger can act as a defense mechanism to re-establish a sense of control. Anger can also indicate a boundary has been crossed, or an injustice has been done. Anger can increase adrenaline and heightened alertness, preparing us to confront the threat (fight) or flee from it (flight). In other words, anger takes an immense amount of energy and serves an important function.
When anger becomes uncontrollable, chronic or destructive, however, it can negatively impact your life and the lives of those around you. Anger can often mask the feelings of grief or vulnerability underneath, leaving it hard to connect deeply with the people we love and pushing away the people we love. Therapy for anger is not about eliminating anger entirely, as it's a natural and valid emotion. Instead, it's about learning to channel and express anger in healthier, more constructive ways.
Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment to explore and understand the underlying causes of your anger. It helps you gain insight into the emotions driving your anger, such as grief, hurt, or fear, and develop healthier ways to express and manage these feelings. Therapy makes space to look at the trauma response with compassion and curiosity.
Through therapy, you can become more aware of your anger triggers, physical responses, and thought patterns that contribute to your anger. You also can become more able to self-regulate, communicate without anger interfering, and increase your empathy for yourself and others. Reducing anger can also reduce associated health risks, such as increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune function. By seeking therapy, you invest in your emotional health, relationships, and overall well-being, paving the way for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
