Anger (2024)

FAQs

What does anger do to the body? ›

Physical effects of anger

The brain shunts blood away from the gut and towards the muscles, in preparation for physical exertion. Heart rate, blood pressure and respiration increase, the body temperature rises and the skin perspires. The mind is sharpened and focused.

Anger is often a reaction to and distraction from inner suffering—feelings such as sadness, powerlessness, shame, anxiety, inadequacy, and isolation. Anger can be both an outgrowth of, and meaningful distraction, from the intense pain of underlying depression.

At the root of many angry feelings is a sense of powerlessness. When we are unable to correct or improve a situation—a traffic jam, a job loss, a relationship breakup, a chronic illness—our frustration, sadness, letdown, and other negative emotions often converge into anger.

Researchers found that brief bouts of anger can impair the ability of blood vessels to expand and contract, which might have consequences for heart health. Future studies will be needed to better understand the long-term effects of anger and other negative emotions on the body.

Helps you meet your needs: Anger alerts you that something doesn't make you feel content and that it needs to change. It could show you that you value honesty in your relationships, and moving forward, you'll work to meet that need because it's meaningful to you.

A 2010 study found that uncontrolled anger is bad for your physical and mental health. It can also quickly escalate to verbal or physical violence, harming you and those around you. Learn more about identifying your triggers and managing your anger below.

When your temper flares, put relaxation skills to work. Practice deep-breathing exercises, imagine a relaxing scene, or repeat a calming word or phrase, such as "Take it easy." You might also listen to music, write in a journal or do a few yoga poses — whatever it takes to encourage relaxation.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

How to stop feeling angry? ›

Upsetting or worrying events. We might feel angry about things that are happening in the world right now. We may see things going on which we know aren't right but that we feel powerless to stop. Or we may feel angry at the decisions made by people in power, or by the attitudes of others about issues that matter to us.

It can be normal, but if it persists, it may indicate a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. Both physical and mental health conditions can cause irritability. Consult your doctor if irritability disrupts your daily life, to rule out underlying conditions.

Definitions of quick-tempered. adjective. quickly aroused to anger. synonyms: choleric, hot-tempered, hotheaded, irascible, short-tempered ill-natured. having an irritable and unpleasant disposition.

Blind Rage: The highest level of anger intensity, often characterized by a complete loss of self-control and the potential for dangerous and irrational actions.

Lower Back. Our lower backs store most of our unexpressed anger. Many people develop severe and debilitating pain in the lumbar region of the back. Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system that puts pressure on the spinal cord.

Those experiencing rage usually feel the effects of high adrenaline levels in the body. This increase in adrenal output raises the physical strength and endurance levels of the person and sharpens their senses, while dulling the sensation of pain. High levels of adrenaline impair memory.

Suppressed, unexpressed anger can be an underlying cause of anxiety and depression. Anger that is not appropriately expressed can disrupt relationships, affect thinking and behavior patterns, and create a variety of physical problems.

Thus, anger can potentially provide you with the energy that may be necessary to take action towards achieving certain goals or to correct difficult or unjust situations. Of course, the physiological arousal that happens with anger is motivating too—a quickened heartbeat and breath, as well as tense muscles.