Anger

Anger is a feeling or emotion that can range from mild irritation to rage. It is a natural response to situations in which we believe harm will come to us or someone close to us, or we believe that someone has mistreated us.

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Anger is a feeling or emotion that can range from mild irritation to rage. It is a normal response to situations in which we believe harm will come to us or someone close to us, or we believe that someone has mistreated us. Anger may also result from frustration when our needs, desires, or goals are not being met.

Anger becomes a problem when we feel it too intensely, frequently, or when we express anger inappropriately. Physically, anger can cause increased blood pressure and heart rates, which may remain elevated for long periods & which, in turn, may produce health problems such as hypertension and heart disease. Anger may also effect the efficiency of the immune system.

Expressing anger inappropriately also has negative social outcomes. Anger that leads to violence or physical aggression can result in an arrest or jail sentence, physical injury, loss of loved ones, loss of a job, feelings of shame and guilt, or loss of self-respect. Anger that leads to verbal abuse or threatening behavior may alienate friends, family or co-workers. People develop fear, resentment, and lack of trust when they are subjected to angry outbursts. If your anger is out of control, seek help by finding an experienced therapist or anger management program.

Source: Reilly PM and Shopshire MS. Anger Management for Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Clients: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Manual. DHHS Pub. No. (SMA) 02-3661. Rockville, MD:
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services