Anger is a natural emotion all of us experience in response to a perceived threat to or a violation of the self. All of us have a right to anger. Not expressing it appropriately could jeopardise our physical health and personal relationships.
Our genetic and physiological disposition determines our physical ability to be angry and aggressive. How we react would be conditioned by our psychological and social development. This means that anger is determined by the contents of our conscious and unconscious mind and that would influence individual ways of expressing feelings.
When we bring our awareness into the expression of anger it may have positive outcomes of self protection.It gives safe ventilation to our hurt feelings and facilitates psychological health. The physical effects of anger are temporary and physiological. It helps cope with stressful situations. Chronic sustained anger and hostility resulting from anger not handled assertively can severely damage health leading to diseases of the heart, skin, gastrointestinal system etc, besides contributing to compromised psychological and social health.
Our anger response is shaped by our thinking and emotions, and the resulting behaviour. We can be passive, aggressive or assertive. When we behave passively we deny our anger or repress it and as a consequence we suffer. Whereas, when we act aggressively we use our verbal and physical power to hurt others and as a result the relationship suffers. Both these responses are maladaptive. Adaptively handling our anger calls for being assertive which would lead to resolving issues and enhancing interpersonal relationships.
Handling anger
The first step in handling anger is to become aware as to where we stand on the passive, aggressive and assertive dimensions. This would also involve becoming aware of red signals of anger, for example, as it may be in road rage or with a demanding boss or an irritating customer. Decide if a response is worthwhile and then act.
Indicate feelings truly and honestly,and say exactly what is meant.It should be directed at the person concerned and the moral basis of the anger should be apparent. Express the causes of frustration and anger, never belittling human rights either physically or verbally. Talk of issues not the person. Be soft on the person and hard on the issue. And when you find it is leading into an argument,stop talking and start listening and understand the other person's perspective.
Be focused and courageous, and ultimately forgiving. Forgiveness is the balm by which the mind heals itself and moves on.In order to help efficiently handle anger, practice of regular physical exercise,yoga and relaxation techniques help.
Expressing anger assertively
You have a right to feel angry Expressing anger is good for physical and mental health Avoid being passive or aggressive Be truthful and honest Be direct and focussed Be morally and ethically correct Respect human rights Forgiveness promotes healing Physical exercises, yoga, relaxation techniques help.
- Dr B R Ravi Shankar Rao, Psychiatrist
Our genetic and physiological disposition determines our physical ability to be angry and aggressive. How we react would be conditioned by our psychological and social development. This means that anger is determined by the contents of our conscious and unconscious mind and that would influence individual ways of expressing feelings.
When we bring our awareness into the expression of anger it may have positive outcomes of self protection.It gives safe ventilation to our hurt feelings and facilitates psychological health. The physical effects of anger are temporary and physiological. It helps cope with stressful situations. Chronic sustained anger and hostility resulting from anger not handled assertively can severely damage health leading to diseases of the heart, skin, gastrointestinal system etc, besides contributing to compromised psychological and social health.
Our anger response is shaped by our thinking and emotions, and the resulting behaviour. We can be passive, aggressive or assertive. When we behave passively we deny our anger or repress it and as a consequence we suffer. Whereas, when we act aggressively we use our verbal and physical power to hurt others and as a result the relationship suffers. Both these responses are maladaptive. Adaptively handling our anger calls for being assertive which would lead to resolving issues and enhancing interpersonal relationships.
Handling anger
The first step in handling anger is to become aware as to where we stand on the passive, aggressive and assertive dimensions. This would also involve becoming aware of red signals of anger, for example, as it may be in road rage or with a demanding boss or an irritating customer. Decide if a response is worthwhile and then act.
Indicate feelings truly and honestly,and say exactly what is meant.It should be directed at the person concerned and the moral basis of the anger should be apparent. Express the causes of frustration and anger, never belittling human rights either physically or verbally. Talk of issues not the person. Be soft on the person and hard on the issue. And when you find it is leading into an argument,stop talking and start listening and understand the other person's perspective.
Be focused and courageous, and ultimately forgiving. Forgiveness is the balm by which the mind heals itself and moves on.In order to help efficiently handle anger, practice of regular physical exercise,yoga and relaxation techniques help.
Expressing anger assertively
You have a right to feel angry Expressing anger is good for physical and mental health Avoid being passive or aggressive Be truthful and honest Be direct and focussed Be morally and ethically correct Respect human rights Forgiveness promotes healing Physical exercises, yoga, relaxation techniques help.
- Dr B R Ravi Shankar Rao, Psychiatrist
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