What Is Anger

Anger is a basic human emotion that is experienced by all people. Typically triggered by an emotional hurt, anger is usually experienced as an unpleasant feeling that occurs when we think we have been injured, mistreated, opposed in our long-held views, or when we are faced with obstacles that keep us from attaining personal goals.

Anger is not just a mental state of mind. It triggers an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and levels of adrenaline and nor-adrenaline. Anger has survival benefits, and forms part of our fight or flight brain response to a perceived threat or harm. When a human or animal decides to take action to stop or confront a threat, anger usually becomes the predominant feeling and takes over our behavior, cognition and physiology.

The experience of anger varies widely; how often anger occurs, how intensely it is felt, and how long it lasts is different for each person. People also vary in how easily they get angry, as well as how comfortable they are with feeling angry. Some people are always getting angry while others seldom feel angry. Some people are very aware of their anger, while others fail to recognize anger when it occurs. Some experts suggest that the average adult gets angry about once a day and annoyed or peeved about three times a day. Other anger management experts suggest that getting angry fifteen times a day is more likely a realistic average. Regardless of how often we actually experience anger, it is a common and unavoidable emotion.

Anger can be constructive or destructive. When well managed, anger or annoyance has very few detrimental health or interpersonal consequences. At its roots, anger is a signal to you that something in your environment isn’t right. It captures your attention and motivates you to take action to correct that wrong thing. How you end up handling the anger signal has very important consequences for your overall health and welfare, however. When you express anger, your actions trigger others to become defensive and angry too. Blood pressures raises and stress hormones flow. Violence can ensue. You may develop a reputation as a dangerous 'loose cannon' that no one wants to be around. What Is Anger

Experts say anger is a primary, natural emotion with functional survival value, which we all experience from time to time. The raised heart rate, blood pressure, and release of hormones prepare us physically for remedial action - which is either to fight or run away at top speed (fight or flight). When we are angry the body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline, nor-adrenaline and cortisol. The heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and breathing rate increase. Regular episodes of anger can eventually make people ill.

* Uncontrolled or unresolved anger can lead to the following health problems:

Backache
Headaches
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Insomnia
Irritable bowel syndrome, or other digestive disorders
Skin disorders
Stroke
Heart attack
Lower pain threshold
Weakened immune system, resulting in more infections, colds, and influenza.

* Uncontrolled or unresolved anger can lead to emotional and mental problems, including:

Depression
Eating disorders
Alcohol abuse
Drug abuse
Self injury
Low self-esteem
Moodiness

Thus it can be said that everyone experiences anger, and it can be healthy. It can motivate us to stand up for ourselves and correct injustices. When we manage anger well, it prompts us to make positive changes in our lives and situations. Whereas, mismanaged anger, on the other hand, is counterproductive and can be unhealthy. When anger is too intense, out of control, misdirected, and overly aggressive, it can lead to poor decision making and problem solving, create problems with relationships and at work, and can even affect your health.