Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

What is anger?

Anger is a normal emotion that everyone feels at some point in their life. It can range from a mild annoyance or frustration to extreme rage. Anger has three main components: cognitive, physical and behavioural changes. Cognitive changes involve how we think about or perceive certain occurrences. For example, you may think that something has happened to you that is unfair, undeserved or wrong; Physical changes include a rush of adrenaline, an increase in blood pressure and heart rate and a stiffening of muscles in response to what has occurred, and; Behavioural changes include how you respond to anger. This can involve looking and sounding angry by raising your voice, yelling or turning red. Other changes can include becoming physically violent, not talking, or storming away.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is anger management?

Anger management is the name for the steps and processes that can help to manage and reduce your anger. This can involve altering the way you think about certain things that make you angry, and changing the ways you deal with anger to achieve constructive rather …

How does anger harm your body?

The physical effects of anger can be harmful to your body. When you are angry, your body initiates a 'fight or flight' response, which involves your adrenal glands flooding the body with stress-related hormones including adrenaline and cortisol. This leads to …

Are there different types of anger?

Anger can be expressed in many different ways, but there are two main types of anger: anger repression, which is also known as bottling your anger up, and anger explosions, which include fits of rage involving yelling and screaming and can also lead to …

What causes anger?

Anger can be caused by many different things. Sometimes anger can be caused by arguments, stress, or a threat to your self-image or your loved ones. Other sources include hurtful or unexpected situations, 'road rage' or an injustice to certain people.

How do I manage anger that is caused by an argument?

Arguments are a common cause of anger. If arguments are not dealt with, they can become worse or uncomfortable. It is important to find solutions and resolve conflicts to prevent anger from increasing. If you have become angry with …

How do I manage anger that is caused by stress?

Stress is commonly associated with anger. Regular exercise can help you de-stress, so going for a run or a bike ride can do wonders for your mental health. Exercise can improve your mood and lower stress levels by increasing the amount of …

Can relaxation techniques help in anger management?

Some simple relaxation techniques including breathing deeply and repeating calming words such as 'relax' or 'calm down' can help with anger management. It may also help to imagine or remember a happy or relaxing experience. Listening to …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Obsessive compulsive disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes unwanted and repeated thoughts and/or feelings. This usually leads to an intense need to repeat certain rituals. It may be a lifelong condition, but it can be managed by talking to a doctor or psychologist.…
Diseases & conditions

Loss and grief

Feelings of loss can stem from many things - relationship breakdown, job loss, family separation, miscarriage, loss of health etc. Loss can be accompanied by grief, too, which people experience in different ways - shock, numbness, anger, regret, denial, or feelings of helplessness, isolation or fear. Services are available to help with loss and grief.…
Diseases & conditions

Bullying

Bullying is the use of power by a person or group of people to intentionally cause physical or psychological harm to another person or group of people. It includes humiliating, demeaning or threatening behaviour and can occur anywhere, including at school, home, online or the workplace.…
Diseases & conditions

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can cause significant disruption in a person’s life. It is a reaction to an intense event or period during which a person’s life or safety (or that of a loved one) was in danger.…
Diseases & conditions

Oppositional defiant disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a condition in which the person's behaviour is consistently angry, argumentative and defiant, particularly towards figures of authority. While it generally arises in early childhood, it can affect a person for their entire life. ODD needs to addressed as it can become serious later in life.…
Diseases & conditions

ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition that can make it difficult for a person to concentrate and control their behaviour. There are three main symptoms of ADHD – hyperactive behaviour, impulsive behaviour and inattentive behaviour. The severity of behaviours varies between individuals and over time as a child grows and develops.…

About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 26 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 18 May 2018
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Votes: 672 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Obsessive compulsive disorder

×

Content goes in here.