How Angry Are You?

There are many things that can make you angry. The traffic on the highway, the slow cashier, the inept carpet cleaning service, the burnt grilled chicken or the insensitive comment from a trusted friend. Anything can set you off, if the circumstances are right and you are at the brink of frustration.

There is nothing wrong with feeling angry. In fact, it is a normal emotion and very acceptable under most circumstances. However, how angry are you? Do little things get you riled, to the point where you can't keep your control or composure? Are you finding that you are angry most of the time and that people are asking you why you're always mad? Have you lost your tolerance and become more curt and sarcastic with people?

Anger is usually a positive motivator to get you to take action or to make changes in your life. It is a social reaction to some hurt, insult or action against you. The amount of time an individual experiences anger varies from person to person. Some people rarely get angry, while others are constantly irritated. These people have a difficult time recognizing what is happening and will often react impulsively, ignoring the consequences of their behavior.

Look over these questions and see if you or someone you know can relate to any of them. Do you lose your temper while driving?

Do you like to control others?

Do you overreact to minor things?

Do you think life is unfair?

Are you overly competitive?

Are you easily hurt if criticized?

Do you have difficulty trusting people?

Do people disappoint you? If any of these sounds like you or someone you know, there is a problem.

Anger becomes destructive when it is repressed (shoved below the surface), redirected passively towards others or redirected inwardly (causing depression and feelings of victimization). If you learned to deal with anger in these unhealthy ways, you may not be aware of other options that do not harm you or infringe on the safety of anyone else.

Therefore, seek out the help of a therapist, join a support group, complete an online anger management course and learn the skills you need to stop compromising your well-being and the welfare of those around you.

About the author: Amy Sherman, LMHC is the author of: Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life and 99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before Dating After 40, 50 and Yes, 60!

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