The Impact of Unresolved Anger on Mental and Physical Health

The Impact of Unresolved Anger on Mental and Physical Health

Many people find it difficult to express their anger healthily. This may result in repressed feelings that explode in relationships or at work.

Sometimes, even though a person’s rage may seem unjustified, it is legitimate. For example, compassionate people often internalize their anger as a response to being invalidated by others.

Emotional

Anger is often an indicator that something needs to be addressed. Your relationships with others may improve when you learn to express anger healthily. You’ll also get better data about the underlying issues that caused you to become upset in the first place, allowing you to address those issues more directly.

When a person suppresses their anger, it can lead to anxiety and depression. They may also feel hostility towards others, leading to paranoia and an inability to trust anyone.

People who repress their anger often externalize it, meaning they vent their frustration and annoyance on others. They might be the one who constantly complains about things like not getting a seat on the bus or their co-workers being too slow to return equipment. This is because more considerable repressed anger is seeking an outlet. On the flip side of anger are healthy human emotions such as passion and drive.

Behavioral

People with unresolved anger may experience problems in their relationships. They may develop resentment, guilt, frustration, and low self-esteem. They may also feel disconnected from others, lack trust, and become defensive. This can lead to isolation, which in turn fuels feelings of resentment and anger.

It’s important to remember that anger can be a healthy emotion when expressed healthily. For instance, if someone infringes on your rights, it’s okay to express anger firmly and assertively.

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Individual therapy and anger counseling Somerville NJ can help you learn more about your anger and develop healthy coping methods. You can also participate in group therapy to practice coping skills and connect with others with similar issues. Anger management support groups can benefit people struggling to identify and address their triggers. The sooner you begin treatment, the better off you’ll be. 

Physical

Those who struggle with emotional regulation often experience unresolved feelings of anger. This can result from childhood experiences, complicated relationships, work stress, or genetics.

Anger is a natural emotion, but people sometimes misunderstand it and see it as ‘bad’ or inappropriate. As a result, they suppress it, which builds up in their body over time. This can lead to many physical and mental health issues.

People who repress their anger may externalize it, which can be unhealthy if they use it as an excuse for negative behaviors. They may also divert their emotions inward, which can be especially common in susceptible people and empaths.

Repressed anger often seeks an outlet in the body and can show up as a sore jaw, tense chest, headache, or high blood pressure. It may also manifest in paranoia or a feeling that the world is hostile and dangerous to them.

Social

Anger can impact all aspects of your life and relationships. In intimate relationships, repressed anger can lead to communication problems, conflict, and resentment. At work, suppressed anger can interfere with performance and productivity and cause difficulties with co-workers.

In addition, the way you express your anger can have a significant social impact. People who cannot communicate their anger healthily may develop pathological expressions, such as passive-aggressive behavior or a perpetually hostile and cynical personality.

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However, managing your anger positively can positively affect your social life. Studies have found that reappraisal can increase connectedness with others and reduce negative social consequences of anger expression. In fact, in one study of people exposed to a simulated work situation, those who used reappraisal had a stronger sense of connection with their colleagues than those who did not use this coping strategy.

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Earl Barnes