Anger
What Are Anger Issues?
Anger is a natural human emotion and can be a healthy response to being hurt, threatened or facing an injustice. However, a lot of people have difficulty with this emotion.
Anger is an emotion; an internal experience, not a behaviour. It’s not shouting, punching a wall or becoming aggressive– these are behaviours. Anger is knowing in your mind you’re angry, having specific physical sensations (for example, rising body temperature), and the urge to engage in aggressive behaviours.
More often than not, when people say they have anger issues, what they really have is difficulty tolerating and regulating their anger on the inside (in their body and in their mind). And because they can’t regulate their anger on the inside, they come out in the form of aggressive behaviours. Most of the time aggression is really just a “venting” of angry urges or an “avoidance” process for someone having difficulty regulating their emotions.
It’s similar to the difference between feeling hungry and eating. Hunger is a feeling made up of sensations in your stomach, a sense of dehydration, and low blood sugar. This causes the urge to eat, which is the behaviour of consuming food. Most people can feel hungry without anxiety and can regulate the urge to eat fairly easily.
Aggression Issues
Aggressive behaviours are sometimes helpful and healthy responses. For example, if you need to defend yourself when someone is physically attacking you.. But, most of the time, aggression is just an avoidance behaviour and engaging in aggressive behaviours or violence is incredibly unhelpful.
Aggression issues can also be completely separate from anger issues. Sometimes, people lash out to avoid sadness, guilt, or any other emotional difficulties. Working on aggression issues means figuring out why these behaviours are happening and getting comfortable with whatever they’re trying to help you avoid.
Symptoms of Problematic Anger and/or Aggression
- Outbursts of aggression or rage
- Frequent irritation over seemingly minor issues
- Difficulty calming down after getting angry
- Verbal or physical altercations
- Strained relationships due to your behaviours
Getting Help with Anger and Aggression Issues Aggression And Anger Management
I work with a lot of people who have difficulty with anger issues. So if you have difficulties with anger or aggression, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Please note that there are a couple of instances where I cannot offer my services to you. I cannot take clients with:
- Uncontrolled or impulsive aggressive behaviour or concerns about engaging in those behaviours
- any serious history of violence/aggressive behaviours
Other Resources To Help With Anger Management
Here are some other anger management options that might help you manage your issues with anger and aggression. What works varies from person to person, so feel free to explore several approaches.
It’s important to know that in many resources, and for many professionals, the definitions and the language surrounding anger are out-of-date. Also, many of the resources for anger issues, fall under the “emotional regulation” category. Keep that in mind, when seeking support.
Kids Helpline
Need Help Managing Your Anger And Aggression Issues? Book A Call!
Fax:
(03) 7020 2738
Locations and Hours:
R2R Health In Moonee Ponds:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 9 AM to 6:20 PM
