Modern life can sometimes be frustrating. It's easy to get upset when traffic makes you late for work, the barista gets your coffee order wrong, and your boss makes unreasonable demands. However, while anger is a healthy emotion, it can also be detrimental to your well-being and affect those around you. The following guide can help you determine whether your anger is an issue, and whether it's time to seek counseling services from a psychologist.

What You Need to Know About Anger Management 

When does anger become a problem?

Feeling angry can be a constructive emotion, and spur corrective action when something is causing distress. However, anger may be unhealthy and destructive when it is your default response to even the most minor inconvenience, it has a negative impact on those around you, and it affects your ability to engage in normal activity. 

Physically assaulting someone in anger, for example, is not a healthy expression of your feelings, and is usually a sign that counseling services are in order. Depending on the circumstances, counseling services may be legally ordered because of your inability to manage anger.

Is anger harmful to your health?

Frequent, intense bouts of anger, known as high trait anger, can be detrimental to your physical well-being, which is why it's so important to seek counseling services to help manage it. High trait anger has been associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke since it often causes high blood pressure. Excessive anger is also linked to reduced immune system function, gastrointestinal disorders (including ulcers), and even some types of cancer. 

Are there ways to control anger? 

It might feel like your anger is uncontrollable, but seeking counseling services can help you develop strategies to better manage your emotions. Some effective approaches include looking for solutions to the issues that cause your anger rather than your feelings; learning relaxation techniques; letting go of grudges; and finding healthy outlets for your emotions, such as exercise. It can take time, but you can learn to control your anger.

Does anger have to be violent to be destructive?

Although many people believe that anger is only an issue when it becomes aggressive and violent other types of destructive anger need to be addressed. Sarcasm can be hurtful and damaging to others, while passive aggression (deliberately engaging in irritating behaviors) and withdrawal are also detrimental to relationships. Hurting others emotionally with your anger is just as problematic as hurting them physically and can affect your overall well-being.

If you or someone you love is struggling with anger, reach out to the professionals at Feinberg & Associates. Psychologist David Feinberg, Ph.D. and his associates offer Lexington, KY-area residents counseling services to help with a variety of issues, including anger management and couples counseling. Learn more about their services online and call (859) 233-3390 to make an appointment.