FAQs About Anger and Anger Management
Everyone feels anger at some time or another. If this normal emotion gets out of hand or you lose the ability to control feelings of frustration, a professional counselor can help. Before you let this emotion consume your daily life or get in the way of your relationships, take a look at what you need to know about anger and anger management.
Are Anger Issues Common?
Anger itself is common — and completely normal. Nevertheless, when anger escalates or you can’t control the power feeling, it turns from a normal emotion to an issue that can interfere with or cause problems in your life.
Even though you may feel like the only person with out-of-control anger, you aren’t alone. According to research published in the journal CNS Spectrums, just under eight percent of the U.S. population has intense, poorly controlled, or inappropriate anger issues.
Can Anyone Have Anger Issues?
Yes, anyone can develop an anger issue. Some people are more likely to have this mental health condition than others, such as men and younger adults. Some mental health conditions may also increase the risk of an anger issue. These include bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and drug or alcohol dependence.
Intense or poorly controlled anger may also present as a symptom of depression. However, this isn’t the only sign of a depressive disorder. Depression also may include feelings of overwhelming sadness, chronic sadness, irritability, energy loss or low energy, feelings of hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
In children, anger issues may also accompany oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Like depression and other mental health conditions, anger is not the only symptom of ODD and ADHD.
Is Anger a Permanent Condition?
Most people experience temporary bouts of anger. A stressful situation, argument with a loved one, or bad day can trigger this strong emotion. While angry feelings may quickly pass for some people, others don’t have the tools to cope with the emotion, have persistent anger that stays more than it goes, or feel like their anger is out of control. Luckily, this can be treated with anger management therapy.
When Should You Get Help for an Anger Issue?
If you had a bad day at work, felt angry, and yelled into the silence of your car on the drive home, it’s not likely you have an issue that requires immediate or professional intervention. However, you may need help from a professional if you:
- Feel angry constantly
- Have little to no control over your emotional reactions
- Are triggered by seemingly nothing.
- Have outbursts often or in inappropriate contexts
- Act out physically
- Hurt others
- Feel like your relationships are suffering
It isn’t always easy to admit that you have an anger issue or that you need help. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more problems your anger may cause. This can result in serious disruptions to your life or an unnecessary physical strain on your body, mind, and relationships.
What Type of Help Is Available?
The good news is that there are counseling programs to help people with anger issues overcome this disorder. Anger management can help you to identify triggers, recognize your anger, and express emotions in a healthy, appropriate way. Group classes and individual counseling can give people with anger issues the tools they need to get a handle on their feelings.
Anger management isn’t a magic fix and you can’t solve this problem in one session. Over time, an experienced counselor can help you to gain control, communicate effectively, and prevent additional problems that excessive anger may cause. A counselor can also help to identify other mental health issues that may trigger or result from your anger.
Are you ready to get help for your anger issues? Contact Comprehensive Counseling Services, LLC, for more information.
