Anger, such a tough emotion to deal with, and yet one that seems to be all too common these days. We are angry for getting what we think is a raw deal. We get mad at the guy in front of us who is driving too slow. We’re so frustrated over having to work for a living and not getting enough benefits or pay. We have no patience with people who don’t understand us. What’s it all mean and how does so much anger make a difference in society.
Anger in and of itself is not bad. Certain physiological things happen to people when they get angry. Heart beats and adrenalin flow increase. Angry people tend to react before considering what they are really doing, and how it might affect others. Sometimes that’s a good thing, especially in instances where getting angry leads to surviving a traumatic event or defending yourself against a bully. At other times though, anger can be dangerous, especially if people lose control.
Anger is hard, powerful, and strong. When someone is angry, others generally know it. Tension in the air seems to rise, as facial and body expressions become more rigid and inflexible. Consequently, those who are around respond in kind, often getting angry themselves. A ripple effect might begin to play out as everyone prepares to take a stand. However, there are those people who choose not to take a stand, diffusing the situation by remaining calm and making every effort to calm down those people who are angry.
“Uncontrollable anger or rage almost always has a negative effect on all types of human relationships: romantic, platonic and familial. A person who cannot control or abate his anger will lash out at family members and friends by yelling or cursing. In some extreme cases, uncontrollable anger can lead to aggressive and violent behavior such as physical abuse on one’s spouse and children. An angry person often loses his rationality, sympathy and self-control,” states eHow author Maggie Hira. The repercussions of such behavior can be felt for years to come, as the people affected most try to rationalize what they had to deal with.
Anger has an impact on those it is directed toward, but also on the individual who can’t control it. Millions of dollars are spent each year on the psychology of anger management. Researchers have studied anger triggers in an effort to create programs aimed at teaching people how to control their tempers. Even the film industry got in on the action, making millions on a movie all about anger management. It seems apparent that people who don’t learn to control their anger often end up isolated and alone. They fail to learn the importance of proper communication, and the benefits of maintaining healthy relationships. Consequently, some of them never deal with the root causes of their anger, which prevents them from changing their behavior.
Our society pays a high price when people’s rage turns violent. Individuals suffer personally and as members of their community. Respecting one’s ability to get extremely angry is important. Understanding why that anger is so strong will help us grow as individuals. Learning to control our anger, and use it in a positive way, is necessary to limit more harmful situations in the world at large.
