Anger and frustration are common emotions that can be experienced at any point in life and can trigger intermittent explosive disorder and anger disorders. Stressors from school, relationships, the workplace, and many more situations or places can all be infuriating. Finding a way to channel these emotions is a part of managing one’s emotional health.
However, there is a point where a person’s anger can come to dictate more and more aspects of their life, or where their anger may begin to cause them to act without thought of consequence or the safety of themself and others. It is necessary to address when your anger has become out of control. Addressing the development of anger disorders not only ensures your safety and the safety of your close friends and family, but also uncovers any underlying disorders or stressors that are affecting your emotional and mental health.
What Are Anger Disorders and IED?
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) and other anger disorders are much more than just a single, overwhelming feeling of rage. While anger can be a very strong, raw emotion, it is also one that typically passes with time. However, those with an anger disorder can find themselves out of control of their own anger in a number of different ways.
For some, like those who suffer from IED, anger can be something that quickly takes hold of them, and they may not be able to rationalize, gauge consequences, or otherwise feel in control of their thoughts or actions. This kind of anger disorder is an overwhelming feeling of rage, and can often manifest disproportionately to the sources of one’s frustration. Those who suffer from this disorder can react irrationally in response to minor frustrations, and feel like their anger is wholly out of control, detrimental, and dangerous to themselves and their surroundings.
Other anger disorders can manifest as a perpetual sense of frustration, with feelings of anger never truly leaving one’s mind at any point in the day. This kind of anger can change the way that an individual approaches any number of situations, as well as relationships and other social interactions. The underlying feelings of aggression and frustration can also cause many other effects, both in the constant stress, as well as the persistent tensing of muscles and discomfort each day.
Symptoms of Anger Disorders
There can be several different symptoms associated with anger disorders. Each individual suffering from one of these disorders can present their own unique symptoms and may express their anger in different ways. Some of the symptoms that an individual may show are:
Persistent anger
Irrational or disproportionate levels of anger
Emotional detachment
Road rage
Aggressive language/threats
Destruction of property
Physical abuse
Taking things personally
Physical Effects of Anger Disorders
Persistent or overwhelming feelings of anger can have much more of an effect on an individual than just their emotional state. Not only can one’s stress levels be incredibly high as a result of an anger disorder, but these persistent and intense feelings of anger can have a number of effects on the body, as well. Some of the physical ramifications of anger disorders are:
Headaches
Muscle tension
Muscle spasms
Tightness of chest
High blood pressure
Heart palpitations
Insomnia
Fatigue
Anger disorders can be a great deal of danger to oneself, friends, and loved ones, and can also be very difficult to confront due to fear of how those with an anger disorder may react. As a result, many will continue to feel the effects of their anger on their relationships and personal/professional lives. Getting help to cope with one’s anger is paramount for maintaining safety and continuing to pursue personal and professional ambitions with a healthy mindset.
Addressing Anger and Taking the First Step
Anger disorders can be difficult to address and can become even more complicated if an individual is suffering from an anger disorder either as a result of, or in conjunction with, addiction, trauma, or other mental health disorders. However, regardless of one’s unique situation, there is always help available.
Many specialized, dedicated programs can help address one’s feelings of anger directly, helping to instill pertinent tactics to navigate this incredibly overwhelming, raw, and powerful emotion. Learning to begin implementing breathing techniques, identifying the onset of dangerous levels of anger or rage, and working to understand the underlying sources of anger are all essential in reframing one’s mindset not around feelings of frustration, but rather in a shared sense of reality going forward.
Intermittent explosive disorder and other anger disorders can have various dangerous ramifications, and learning to control one’s anger is essential in rebuilding relationships and improving one’s mental health. At Chateau Recovery, our individualized approach to your recovery allows our professionals to work with you to discover your own path through managing anger, as well as addressing any underlying mental health disorders, trauma, or addiction. Your time with us can be personalized to find your best practices. You will have the opportunity to engage with a wide array of therapeutic activities, such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, art/music therapy, and much more. Our open, comfortable, and supportive atmosphere is designed to help you relax and detach from other stressors while learning to better understand yourself in a safe space. For more information on how we can personalize your time with us, or to speak to a caring, trained staff member about your unique situation, call us today at (435) 222-5225.