when does anger become a problem?

When Does Anger Become a Problem?

Anger becomes a problem when it is felt too intensely, is felt too frequently, or is expressed

inappropriately. Feeling anger too intensely or frequently places extreme physical strain on the

body. During prolonged and frequent episodes of anger, certain divisions of the nervous system

become highly activated. Consequently, blood pressure and heart rate increase and stay

elevated for long periods. This stress on the body may produce many different health problems,

such as hypertension, heart disease, and diminished immune system efficiency. Thus, from a

health standpoint, avoiding physical illness is a motivation for controlling anger.

Another compelling reason to control anger concerns the negative consequences that result

from expressing anger inappropriately. In the extreme, anger may lead to violence or physical

aggression, which can result in numerous negative consequences, such as being arrested or

jailed, being physically injured, being retaliated against, losing loved ones, being terminated

from a substance abuse treatment or social service program, or feeling guilt, shame, or regret.

Even when anger does not lead to violence, the inappropriate expression of anger, such as

verbal abuse or intimidating or threatening behavior, often results in negative consequences. For

example, it is likely that others will develop fear, resentment, and lack of trust toward those

who subject them to angry outbursts, which may cause alienation from individuals, such as

family members, friends, and coworkers.

Sunil Kumar                                            Jayasudha Kamaraj
Clinical Psychologist                               Counseling Psychologist
Founder                                                    co-founder
http://mindzone.in/