DEALING WITH ANGER

Note:  This information is provided for informational purposes only.  It is not intended as treatment advice or to replace personal psychological care or medical attention if needed.  There is no substitute for the experience and judgment that a professional can provide to evaluate and treat any psychological,  emotional, mood, or mental problem face to face.  Many medical conditions have symptoms that are similar to psychological disorders and it is always good judgment to have a medical checkup as a first step.   If you are, or have been, in professional counseling or treatment and any information given in this site is contrary to advice you have received, you should consult your therapist or doctor. 

Anger is a normal emotion.  Everyone experiences anger in some form.  Anger expressed appropriately is very adaptive.  However, for many people, anger becomes too intense

When is anger a problem?:

        When it happens too often

        When it is too intense

        When it lasts too long

        When it leads to destructive behaviors

        When it negatively affects decisions, behaviors, and relationships

        When expression of anger is inappropriate

Inappropriate or unhealthy anger ALWAYS comes at a cost:

        It may be loss of friends

        It may be loss of marriage

        It may be emotional distance from the children

        It may cost a job or loss of promotion

        It usually causes some physical distress:  headaches, stomach problems, heart problems

        It drives people away from you

        It causes stress in your life or those around you

Ways that anger is treated:

        Learning the triggers to anger and how to change them

        Learning how to delay the anger reflex

        Learning better, and more acceptable, ways to express anger

        Learning how to deal with justified anger and unjustified anger

        Learning how to relax

        With the patient's permission, involvement of the spouse or family

The Triggers to Anger:

        Alcohol and drug use

        Stress

        Injustice

        Threats of perceived harm

        Frustration

        Hunger

        Fatigue

        Illness

        Incompetence

        Feeling Disrespected

        Betrayal

        Failure of others to meet expectations

        Abuse of authority

        Depression

Kinds of Anger:

        Explosive

        Pouting

        Negative outlook

        Cynicism or bitterness

        Withdrawal

        Seething

        Resentment

        Never forgiving

        Passive-aggressive

        Physically abusive

        Verbally abusive

        Mentally abusive

        Rage

How and where to get help for Anger:

        Anger is best evaluated and treated by a mental health professional - Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Clinical Social Worker.  The most important thing is not to let inappropriate anger go undiagnosed or untreated.  

        Dr. Martin is experienced in treating anger problems and is currently accepting new patients.  He is on the provider panel of most insurance companies.  You may contact him at (865) 690-9998 (Knoxville).