Anger

Anger is a valuable, healthy emotion that often alerts us to injustices or things we may need to change in our lives. We all experience anger at one time or another—sometimes as a fleeting annoyance and other times as full-fledged rage. Anger often arises when we perceive injury, disrespect, injustice, or wrong doing by someone or something. For example, when someone disagrees with us, breaks our rules, acts against our wishes, or when there is a gap between our expectations and reality. Anger can raise our heart rate, increase muscle tension, and make our palms sweaty. It can make us feel anxious and afraid and be difficult and uncomfortable. Anger is sometimes an appropriate response, but how you channel and manage that anger is critical.

Anger can become a problem when it becomes intense, out of control and destructive, wreaking havoc in our personal and professional lives. Left unchecked, mismanaged anger has the potential to alienate us from others and engage in risky and destructive behaviours, including aggression and violence. Chronic anger may lead to health risks and medical problems, such as increased blood pressure, frequent headaches, insomnia, and the activation of the body’s fight or flight response.