Anger can be a difficult emotion to deal with. In fact, for men, most emotions can be difficult in today’s world of tough guys and ridged masculinity.
Men are expected to be both tough and sensitive. Manly, yet understanding the world is changing rapidly and it is hard to fit ourselves into what is expected and balance that with what is healthy.
Emotions are natural and complicated and anger is no different than anything else. Anger can be a powerful emotion.
However, when anger gets out of control it bleeds into every aspect of your life. So what do you do?
Bottling it up and pretending it’s not there only postpones the problem, it doesn’t solve it.
Blowing off steam can be helpful but often only for a little while. What happens with your anger starts to hurt those around you? Relationships suffer and it can trigger a spiral of guilt and grief over your behavior that is unhealthy and only leads to more problems.
The first thing to realize is that what you are feeling is normal, emotional outbursts happen it’s how you react and deal with them that can cause problems.
Loss of control due to anger can be dangerous, to those around you and to yourself. It’s important to recognize the signs and listen to the people in your life if they are telling you something is not right.
Yelling, throwing things or even violent outbursts are all signs that something is out of place.
It’s normal to get into the occasional heated argument that may result in some raised voices. But it’s not ok when these things start happening every day.
Other signs are misplaced anger that is disproportionate to the situation.
Do you find yourself losing control over little things like someone left the empty milk carton in the fridge? Going from calm to loss of control or extreme anger over minor annoyances is a sign that you may have an anger problem.
You are not alone. Help is available and there is no shame in asking for it.
You take your car to the mechanic when there is something wrong because you don’t have the training or skills to fix it. Counseling is just the same thing. Sometimes you need someone with the training and skills to help you fix the problem.
You wouldn’t risk trying to fix your car on your own without the proper knowledge. Why would you risk the most important thing of all, your life and mental health?
Anger management therapy can provide you with an outlet to discuss your feelings as well as the tools and coping mechanisms you need to move forward in a healthy way. It can help you to manage your emotions in a way that is non-destructive and positive instead of painful and hurtful to those around you.
Many people have found success with anger management therapy to guide them on their path to emotional control and good mental health.
