Everyone gets angry at some point. It’s a natural reaction to frustration, stress, and real or perceived threats or injustice, among other things. Anger can be healthy. It gives us the energy we need to make necessary changes in our lives. Perhaps most importantly, anger can be a signal that something needs to be addressed.However, for some people, anger becomes all-consuming and can be harmful to both the person experiencing it as well as the people around them, particularly if it’s displaced anger. It would be troublesome to have an angry outburst toward the wrong person. If you feel like you’re constantly asking yourself, “why am I so angry?” or “why do I get angry so easily?” then you may have an underlying problem. The cause of your anger might stem from things other than the common culprits that elicit anger in each of us from time to time. If left unchecked or suppressed, the angry feelings might suddenly blow up and turn to uncontrolled anger.That’s why it’s so important to recognize anger when you experience it so you can understand the triggers or causes. Left unchecked, anger can lead to serious health issues or even destroy relationships.Read on to go deeper and answer questions like “why am I so angry all the time?”

Everyone gets angry at some point. It’s a natural reaction to frustration, stress, and real or perceived threats or injustice, among other things. Anger can be healthy. It gives us the energy we need to make necessary changes in our lives. Perhaps most importantly, anger can be a signal that something needs to be addressed.

However, for some people, anger becomes all-consuming and can be harmful to both the person experiencing it as well as the people around them, particularly if it’s displaced anger. It would be troublesome to have an angry outburst toward the wrong person. If you feel like you’re constantly asking yourself, “why am I so angry?” or “why do I get angry so easily?” then you may have an underlying problem. The cause of your anger might stem from things other than the common culprits that elicit anger in each of us from time to time. If left unchecked or suppressed, the angry feelings might suddenly blow up and turn to uncontrolled anger.

That’s why it’s so important to recognize anger when you experience it so you can understand the triggers or causes. Left unchecked, anger can lead to serious health issues or even destroy relationships.

Read on to go deeper and answer questions like “why am I so angry all the time?”

What Causes Anger Issues?

Many things can lead to different types of anger. Some more common reasons might include:

Admittedly, we live in a society where many important things are out of our control. For many of us, this can lead to frustration and, ultimately, anger. However, it’s important to recognize your anger and take note of what’s causing your feelings. Then, you can take steps to mitigate it before you lash out at someone or something.

“Not having control over situations throughout your life can create a sense of frustration or anger. Identifying these situations can help you reduce the anger and live a happier life.”

Talkspace therapist Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S, LCSWC

Potential TriggersBeing quick to feel anger is a common problem that might leave you wondering, “why do I get angry so quickly?” This question leads us to a discussion of triggers.Many things can trigger anger. However, what triggers it in one person may not have the same effect on someone else. A lot of what determines an anger trigger can depend on someone’s past experiences, especially those from childhood.Some of the more common anger triggers for many people include:LyingPhysical threatsMisinformationFrustrationDisrespectInjusticeLack of controlRelationship issuesAbusive languageViolation of your personal spaceIf you’re wondering “why do I get angry so easily” it’s a good idea to look at these triggers and see which ones might apply to you.

Potential Triggers

Being quick to feel anger is a common problem that might leave you wondering, “why do I get angry so quickly?” This question leads us to a discussion of triggers.

Many things can trigger anger. However, what triggers it in one person may not have the same effect on someone else. A lot of what determines an anger trigger can depend on someone’s past experiences, especially those from childhood.

Some of the more common anger triggers for many people include:

If you’re wondering “why do I get angry so easily” it’s a good idea to look at these triggers and see which ones might apply to you.

Can an Anger Problem Be Diagnosed?While anger itself isn’t a mental health condition, there are plenty of diagnoses that feature anger as a core symptom. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists 5 mental health conditions that include anger as one of their core symptoms.Intermittent explosive disorder (IED)Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)Borderline personality disorder (BPD)Bipolar disorder“An anger problem can be diagnosed with the help of a mental health professional who can offer you different tools and resources to heal. Looking for help may be a difficult step, but it can be the beginning of something better.”Talkspace therapist Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S, LCSWC

Can an Anger Problem Be Diagnosed?

While anger itself isn’t a mental health condition, there are plenty of diagnoses that feature anger as a core symptom. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists 5 mental health conditions that include anger as one of their core symptoms.

“An anger problem can be diagnosed with the help of a mental health professional who can offer you different tools and resources to heal. Looking for help may be a difficult step, but it can be the beginning of something better.”

What Happens if Anger is Left Untreated?Once you know the underlying issue, it’s necessary to learn how to release anger in healthy ways. Left untreated, unresolved anger can have serious consequences, not only on your relationships but also on your physical health. Anger causes the body to release “fight-or-flight” hormones, which cause stress and over time mightlead to chronic health issueslike heart disease, depression, compromised immunity, and obesity.Chronic anger can also be extremely damaging to relationships like marriages, work relationships, friendships, and day-to-day interaction with others. After all, no one enjoys being yelled at or finding themselves the target of undeserved anger and explosive outbursts. The result can also be very isolating for the person experiencing the anger as well. With that said, it’s important to seek professional help and consider enrolling in anger management classes.“Untreated anger can be detrimental to the person experiencing it and those around them. It can lead to more severe problems such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Therapy can help alleviate these symptoms.”Talkspace therapist Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S, LCSWC

What Happens if Anger is Left Untreated?

Once you know the underlying issue, it’s necessary to learn how to release anger in healthy ways. Left untreated, unresolved anger can have serious consequences, not only on your relationships but also on your physical health. Anger causes the body to release “fight-or-flight” hormones, which cause stress and over time mightlead to chronic health issueslike heart disease, depression, compromised immunity, and obesity.

Chronic anger can also be extremely damaging to relationships like marriages, work relationships, friendships, and day-to-day interaction with others. After all, no one enjoys being yelled at or finding themselves the target of undeserved anger and explosive outbursts. The result can also be very isolating for the person experiencing the anger as well. With that said, it’s important to seek professional help and consider enrolling in anger management classes.

“Untreated anger can be detrimental to the person experiencing it and those around them. It can lead to more severe problems such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Therapy can help alleviate these symptoms.”

What Can I Do?

Much of the time, managing anger on your ownispossible, as long as you have the right tools in place. Generally speaking, several calming techniques can be very effective in keeping your anger in check before it gets out of control. You can try any of the following at home to help you navigate and diffuse your anger in a healthy manner.

Keep in mind, though, that if your anger is to the point that you feel you can no longer manage it in a healthy way, or if it’s affecting your work, relationships, or quality of life, getting professional help is essential.

Seeking Professional Help to Manage AngerIf you’re wondering, “why do I feel angry all the time?” it may be time to seek the help of a mental health professional and seekanger therapy. Therapy, particularlycognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT), can help you identify anger triggers so you can manage or diffuse your anger response. Therapy can also teach you skills to redirect your anger, channeling it through healthier outlets likejournaling for mental healthor getting involved in social activism. These tools can help you become productive with your emotions, rather than lashing out at the people around you.To find a therapist who has experience in anger management, speak with your primary care physician for a recommendation or do some research.Your doctor might recommendonline therapy, which can be an easy and accessible way to start talking with a mental health professional. Talkspace is an online therapy platform that makes therapy convenient, accessible, and affordable. With a Talkspace therapist, you can learn effective techniques to answer common questions and overcome anger issues.

Seeking Professional Help to Manage Anger

If you’re wondering, “why do I feel angry all the time?” it may be time to seek the help of a mental health professional and seekanger therapy. Therapy, particularlycognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT), can help you identify anger triggers so you can manage or diffuse your anger response. Therapy can also teach you skills to redirect your anger, channeling it through healthier outlets likejournaling for mental healthor getting involved in social activism. These tools can help you become productive with your emotions, rather than lashing out at the people around you.

To find a therapist who has experience in anger management, speak with your primary care physician for a recommendation or do some research.

Your doctor might recommendonline therapy, which can be an easy and accessible way to start talking with a mental health professional. Talkspace is an online therapy platform that makes therapy convenient, accessible, and affordable. With a Talkspace therapist, you can learn effective techniques to answer common questions and overcome anger issues.

Sources:1. Why am I so angry?. Nhsinform.scot.https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/anger-management/why-am-i-so-angry. Published 2021. Accessed July 2, 2022.2. Latest APA survey reveals deepening concerns about connection between chronic disease and stress. https://www.apa.org.https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/01/chronic-disease. Published 2012. Accessed July 2, 2022.

Sources:

  1. Why am I so angry?. Nhsinform.scot.https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/anger-management/why-am-i-so-angry. Published 2021. Accessed July 2, 2022.

  2. Latest APA survey reveals deepening concerns about connection between chronic disease and stress. https://www.apa.org.https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/01/chronic-disease. Published 2012. Accessed July 2, 2022.

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