ANGER
The term anger management commonly refers to a system
of psychological therapeutic techniques and exercises by which someone with
excessive or uncontrollable anger can control or reduce the triggers, degrees,
and effects of an angered emotional state. Some
techniques for controlling anger are finding agreement with another person
rather than a conflict. In some countries, courses in anger management may
be mandated by their legal system. Typical anger management techniques are
the use of deep breathing and meditation as a means of relaxation. Other interventions
include learning empathy, stress management skills, forgiveness, changing
how you speak about yourself or others and improving optimism. As the issue
of anger varies from person to person, the treatments are designed to be personal
to the individual.
Side Effect of Anger
In modern society, anger is viewed as an immature or uncivilized response
to frustration, threat, violation, or loss. Conversely, keeping calm, coolheaded,
or turning the other cheek is considered more socially acceptable. This conditioning
can cause inappropriate expressions of anger such as uncontrolled violent
outbursts, misdirected anger or repressing all feelings of anger when it would
be an appropriate response to the situation. Also, anger that is constantly
“bottled up” can lead to persistent violent thoughts or actions, nightmares
and even physical symptoms. Anger can also aggravate an already present mental
health problem such as clinical depression.
Another side-effect of anger is that it can fuel obsessions, phobias, addictions
and manic tendencies. Many people who are not able to express their anger
will let it out in some sort of furious activity which can result in clinical
depression or even bipolar disorder. Anger can also fan the flames of paranoia
and prejudice, even in normal, everyday situations. People tend to express
their anger either passively or aggressively through the fight-or-flight response.
The passive "flight" response is repression and denial of anger
for safety. However, aggressive behavior is associated with the "fight"
response and the use of the verbal and physical power of anger to abuse and
hurt others.(1)