Why do we get angry?
In order to understand why we get angry, it's important to understand the psychology behind it. There are many different theories about what causes anger, but one of the most popular is the frustration-aggression theory. This theory suggests that we become aggressive when we feel frustrated or blocked from reaching our goals. While this may be partially true, there are other factors that can contribute to anger as well. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the different theories about anger and its causes. hopefully, by understanding more about anger, we can learn how to better deal with it when it arises.
When we get angry, our body releases adrenaline and cortisol - hormones that prepare us to fight
Our anger is a powerful emotion, and when we become angry, our body responds by releasing adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones trigger a characteristic "fight or flight" response in us; they increase our heart rate, increase the flow of oxygen to our brain, and allow us to concentrate more thoroughly on whatever situation we find ourselves in. This survival instinct has been key to keeping us safe throughout the course of history, but it can also cause problems if anger is not managed properly. Recognizing anger as a natural part of being human can help us to better understand how anger works so that we can learn to control it and use it to benefit rather than harm ourselves.
Our heart rate and blood pressure increase, and we may start to perspire
Our bodies react to anger in an easily identifiable way: our heart rates and blood pressures increase drastically, while we may also start to perspire. The experience is actually caused by a combination of physiological and psychological changes that are triggered by anger. An adrenaline response is produced in the body, which leads to a slight rise in blood pressure levels, resulting in increased respiration and perspiration. This string of reactions occurs as part of the "fight or flight" response, which leads us to take action when feeling angry or threatened.
We may also experience a 'rush' of energy, which can make us feel more powerful
We have all heard of the "energy rush" known as adrenaline, our body's natural stress-response hormone which floods us when we are feeling something intense and exciting. This energy often manifests itself in us as a surge of feelings such as increased strength and alertness, to name a few. While this can be beneficial in certain situations, it's important to note that this energy "rush" can cause both physiological and psychological changes, so it's important to manage and rein in these feelings when needed. Interestingly, there are various recreational activities out there (think bungee jumping or skydiving) specifically created with the purpose of achieving such an energy rush - proof of how pervasive this feeling really is!
Anger is often caused by frustration, fear, or feeling threatened in some way
Anger is a natural emotion, yet it can often be presented in an unhealthy way. It usually arises as a response to the feeling of being frustrated, fearful or threatened. People express anger when they feel that something unjust has occurred, their rights have been violated or they have lost control over a situation. It is important to understand that anger in and of itself is not necessarily wrong; however, engaging in anger in damaging ways can cause further hurt and distress. Understanding the root causes of anger can help individuals find positive and productive ways to manage it. Anger is a powerful emotion that can be difficult to manage. While we cannot control the situations or people that make us angry, we can learn how to better recognize and respond to our feelings in healthy ways. By understanding more about the physiology of anger and the psychological root causes behind it, we can gain insight into why we become angry and how to channel this energy into something positive. With practice, individuals can learn to effectively regulate their emotions and express themselves in productive ways.
It's important to learn how to deal with anger in a constructive way, rather than lashing out
Learning how to channel anger in a constructive way is an important life skill. If we fail to do this, it’s easy for anger to turn into aggression, resulting in hurt feelings and damaged relationships. It may not be immediately natural for us to resist the urge to lash out when angry, but understanding the difference between anger and aggression can help us to place our anger in its rightful context. We can focus on finding solutions that will not only benefit our wellbeing, but also those around us. Taking yourself away from the source of anger is also important, as it gives you space and time to contemplate your options and cool off before you act on any anger-induced impulses.