Everyone experiences the intense feelings/ emotions of anger, this is a normal part of human beings. Animals also feel the full range of basic emotions (Coates 1998).

Once in a while, anger may be triggered by a natural response to hurt for instance when you feel attacked, when someone crosses your boundaries or rather when you feel disrespected etc.

These experiences are likely to provoke a strong emotion in your body. What you need to know about this basic emotion is that Anger is a primary and secondary emotion, that motivates us to act when we feel unfairly treated as a defence mechanism for survival.

As you read this article, you could be wondering what’s the difference between anger as a  primary and secondary emotion.

Primary simply means first response or rather what you feel about as a consequence of a situation/ event while secondary anger is usually triggered by other emotions disguised as anger.

Picture this, when you are disappointed, or frustrated, they present themselves as “Anger” affects you in many ways not only physically but your mental health as well. Unresolved issues, negative thoughts and beliefs can trigger it which gets in the way of your relationships with yourself and others.

Uncontrolled anger activates the amygdala, the part of the brain which brings about a fight and flight response. This is where memories of similar events, give interpretation of events and emotions are stored.

This overwhelms your limbic system which is part of your brain that is charged with the responsibility of helping your body respond to intense emotions.

There are healthy and unhealthy ways of expressing anger. We are all unique and different in terms of how we think, relate with others, behave and personalities.

Therefore, for some people venting walking, exercising,  journaling, crying helps while others indulge in maladaptive behaviours such as drinking, stress eating, emotional outburst, displacement and self-harm etc.

Think about this, what could be maintaining the problem? Recent research shows that chronic anger can weaken your immune system.

PSS. When your immune system is weakened, that makes you more vulnerable to a higher risk of infections that causes psycho-somatic illnesses.

Anger warning signs are defined as things you are likely to feel, think, or do when you get angry.

This means what happens to you physically, emotionally, cognitively and behavioural.

Check the list provided below and identified  Anger Warning Signs that apply to you

• ‌Headaches
• ‌High blood pressure
• ‌Body/ handshakes
• ‌Sweating
• ‌Crying
• ‌ Stomach Upset
• ‌Mind Goes Blank
• ‌Your face turns red
• ‌Thoughts of hurting someone
• ‌Yelling
• ‌Hostility
• ‌Breathing difficulties
• ‌Feeling disrespected, guilty, insecure
• Dizziness
• ‌Emotional Outburst
• ‌Unhelpful thinking style
• ‌Clenching your jaws

What are some of the healthy ways you use to get over feelings of anger? You can share your thought in the comment section.

Closeup of a black hand in a fist

The first step in dealing with chronic anger is recognizing/ acknowledging the existence of a problem. Knowing your anger warning goes a long way in managing how you express your anger.

If you /know someone who struggles with anger management can be frustrating and deliberating maladaptive behaviour.

We recommend that you consider reaching out for help. As you have read above anger can negatively impact your physical and mental health.

Don’t let anger or any other intense emotions get in the way of your happiness, relationship and quality of life, professional help is available.