Don’t Worry- Anger is Normal

I was recently told in our Yorba Linda anger management class by a student that society puts an unrealistic expectation of anger on people and that we are told, in various ways, that anger is bad and therefore should be kept to yourself. As a result, some people may feel left with no other choice but to suppress their angry feelings, which is not a healthy response to anger.

On the contrary, anger is a normal emotion and one of the most misunderstood and overused of human emotions. Here are some facts about anger.

Anger is a reaction to an inner emotion, not a planned action and when expressed appropriately it can lead to healthy relationships, increased self control and an overall healthier you.

Anger is easier to express because the primary feelings underlying anger (hurt, sad, embarrassed, etc) tend to make us feel vulnerable and weak. Anger tends to make you feel, at least momentarily, strong and in control. Everyone feels anger and everyone has a response to anger. The key is learning the correct responses to anger. Finally, angry behaviors are learned over the life-span and therefore can be unlearned and replaced with healthier patterns of coping.
To repress anger is unhealthy and yet to express it impulsively may give momentary relief but inevitably will carry negative consequences.

Anger is a useful healthy emotion because it alerts us to the fact that something is bothering us. It is what we do with our anger that makes the difference between handling anger well or not.

During Anger Management Therapy one learns tools on how to express anger in appropriate ways where you feel heard, more in control and more aware of your emotions. And, remember anger is not a bad thing. It is a normal and healthy emotion as long as it is dealt with in appropriate ways.

Daybreak Counseling Service
Orange County Anger Management
www.daybreakservices.com
twitter.com/angryinla
Like us on FACEBOOK
855-662-6437