How Anger Can Destroy Your Physical and Mental Wellbeing

© Keremgo

Mark Twain once said, "When angry, count four. When very angry, swear." 

The point? Anger consumes us daily, and everyone has their own way of dealing with it. 

Much like feeling hungry, feeling angry exposes the most unflattering side of our personalities. While expressing a healthy amount of anger has its benefits, lashing out in fits of rage brings many harmful side effects. 

If you're known for having a short fuse, the outcomes may be more detrimental than you think. 

The adverse effects of anger take a toll on your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Here's what you need to know: 

Severe Anger Affects Your Heart 

Those feelings of rage may not directly cause cardiac issues, but they're responsible for other conditions that do. Severe anger raises blood pressure and increases heart rate, which can lead to coronary disease. 

Additionally, anger has the potential to cause heart attacks. In fact, just two hours after an angry outburst, a person has an increased risk of chest pain, stroke, or problematic heart rhythm. 

In a 2000 study published by Circulation, the "angriest" people faced twice the risk of coronary artery disease and three times the risk of a heart attack compared to those showing lower levels of anger. 

On top of potential heart issues, constant anger is linked to headaches, digestive issues, fatigue, skin problems like eczema, and insomnia. It also compromises your immune system, making you more susceptible to infection and illness. 

Your Mental Health Is at Stake 

The mental and emotional effects of anger are powerful. Stress chemicals wreak havoc on your mind, leading to disorders like depression and anxiety.

Excessive anger can also deplete your self-worth and self-esteem. The inability to control it can lead to feelings of unworthiness and, ultimately, suicidal tendencies.

Of course, this doesn't apply to occasional anger. Expressing these emotions can be beneficial, as long as they're not all-consuming.  

Your Relationships Suffer 

Arguments are inevitable, whether they're with friends, significant others, or family members; however, the type and frequency can have a tremendous impact. 

There's a difference between expressing frustration and acting dangerously. As anger and rage build in an individual, so does the tendency to become verbally, physically, or emotionally abusive.

Constant feelings of anger on one or both sides of a relationship creates a hostile, irreparable environment — wrecking every last shred of connection you might've had.

Steps To Control the Effects of Anger

Although easier said than done, there are many effective ways to control your aggression. Some of them include: 

·       Waiting until you're calm to discuss feelings of anger

·       Taking a moment to breathe 

·       Practicing meditation 

·       Going for a walk to cool down

·       Trying to laugh about it

·       Talking to a friend 

·       Finding an escape—painting, writing, running, listening to music—anything to take your mind off the anger

Of course, anger isn't always controlled so easily. If it consumes daily life, plays a major role in failed relationships, or causes you to act uncontrollably or violently, an anger management course might be the best route to a calmer lifestyle. 

You're in Control 

The effects of anger aren't the only issues you'll face in the rollercoaster of life, especially in the role of a dad. 

Whether you're anxious, stressed, or facing parenting or relationship issues, we have the courses you need to get control of your life. You have the power to get yourself back on track, and we have the power to help get you there.