Identifying Symptoms Of Anger Issues And When To Get Help

Everyone tends to feel anger from time to time. Sometimes, we can pinpoint exactly what makes us angry, but at other times, this emotion may seem to come from nowhere. Anger can be useful, but it can also be disruptive and damaging.

People can experience anger differently and for different reasons. Being able to identify your own anger triggers may help you learn how to prevent anger from affecting your mental and physical health and determine if what you are experiencing is typical anger or a sign of anger issues. Keep reading to learn how to distinguish between the two and what you can do to learn how to manage your anger.

Anger issues can be challenging to manage

Get support in online therapy

Anger vs. anger issues

Anger is a common emotion, but people get angry at different things and can experience anger in unique ways. Below are some common mental and physical symptoms of typical anger:

• Elevated heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Muscle tension
• Sweating
• Headache
• Teeth grinding
• Feelings of guilt or resentment
• A tendency to be easily irritated
• A sense of humiliation

Signs of anger issues

Anger can get the best of anyone at times, but the following are some signs of anger issues that may be require help:

• You feel angry frequently, and it interferes with your life. 
• You engage in destructive behavior to deal with your anger. 
• Your anger is affecting your work or relationships with others. 
• Your anger hurts or frightens the people in your life. 
• You use the silent treatment to deal with your anger toward others.
• You find yourself doing and saying things that you regret.
• Your anger is affecting your physical or mental health. 
• Your anger prevents you from feeling other emotions. 
• You don’t remember things that you do and say when you’re angry. 
• You use alcohol or other substances to deal with your anger.
• You have thoughts about self-harm or suicide.

Mental health conditions associated with anger

One reason why it can be important to identify anger management issues is that they can be a sign of a co-occurring mental health condition. In fact, anger is a symptom in the following , four of which occur in adults:

Borderline personality disorder

In the DSM-5, the criteria for borderline personality disorder (BPD) include “inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger.” People with BPD can experience more frequent and prolonged episodes of anger and increased reactive aggression. 

Bipolar disorder

In bipolar disorder, anger can occur during either manic or depressive phases. During manic stages, people may be more likely to engage in outward anger, but during depressive episodes, people may experience inward anger. Anger may occur even during periods between episodes.

Intermittent explosive disorder

Recurrent disproportionate anger episodes are typical in intermittent explosive disorder. Someone with this condition may also experience anger that is less serious between outbursts. 

Oppositional defiant disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder is generally diagnosed in childhood, but if left untreated, it can continue into adulthood. Symptoms of this disorder typically include “negativistic, hostile, and defiant” behavior, including losing one’s temper and being vindictive, spiteful, resentful, and angry.

Other causes of anger issues

Aside from mental health conditions, other factors can contribute to anger issues. For example, we often learn to cope with anger from our upbringing. If, as children, we did not learn how to manage feeling angry or grew up in a household where angry outbursts were common, we may be more prone to react aggressively as adults.

Trauma or other past events can also contribute to anger issues. When something that happened in the past makes us angry, we may react more strongly to similar situations in the present. Anger can also be related to things in the present, such as stress, injustice, bereavement, illness, or pain.

Anger management

There are some strategies that you can do on your own to try to manage anger. When you feel yourself getting angry, you might take a few deep breaths or count to 10. Putting some distance between you and whatever is making you upset may help you get your emotions under control before they escalate. Even a few seconds may help.

If you have more time, you might try changing your surroundings. For example, you can head outside for some fresh air or go to another room to get some distance and try to derail your anger before it takes over. Taking this time can also give you an opportunity to burn off some steam by doing something physical, like taking a walk around the block. 

Relaxation activities may help, too. You might try taking a hot bath, meditating, doing yoga, or practicing deep breathing exercises to decompress.

When to get professional help for anger issues

When your anger begins to interfere with your professional or personal life, it may be time to ask for help. Anger can affect physical and mental health in a variety of ways, and it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying mental health issue. For this reason, you may benefit from seeking professional support when anger becomes a problem.

Treatment for anger issues

Mental health professionals may be able to help you identify and examine your triggers and explore your past experiences to help you understand where your anger may be coming from. Therapy for anger may also help you understand how to communicate more constructively, avoid passive anger aimed at your loved ones, and rebuild damaged relationships.

Anger management and therapy

Both anger management and therapy can often help people learn how to manage anger, and for some people, both types of treatment may be necessary. Anger management specifically aims to help you work on understanding and managing your anger, while therapy may help with a variety of challenges that may be contributing to your anger. 

Treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions

If you have been diagnosed with a co-occurring mental health condition, therapy may help you manage any other symptoms you may be experiencing. Whether you’re experiencing one of the conditions mentioned above or other mental health conditions that may be associated with anger, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder, or depression, a therapist may be able to help you understand how your anger is related to such conditions and then develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

Anger issues can be challenging to manage

Get support in online therapy

Online therapy for anger management issues

In-person treatment may not be for everyone. If you’re experiencing challenges due to your anger issues or any co-occurring conditions, you may not feel comfortable talking to someone in a traditional office setting. If this is the case, you might consider online therapy. 

When you sign up for an online therapy platform, you don’t have to worry about commuting to an office or being put on a waiting list for the next available appointment. Most people are matched with a therapist within 48 hours of signing up, and you can change providers at any time for no fee until you find one that you feel comfortable working with. 

Numerous studies have shown that online therapy is effective. For example, one review of 12 studies found that there were no significant differences between online and in-person therapy in terms of symptom severity or client satisfaction.