Anger Management

Feeling angry when something goes wrong is a normal part of the human experience. Anger can be a healthy response that helps us get motivated to take corrective action and make changes to our lives, or in situations that need to be fixed. However, for some people, expressing anger in a healthy and helpful way does not come easy. When this is the case, anger management classes can help.

What Exactly Is Anger? 

Anger is a basic human emotion. Basic human emotions are an evolutionary trait that help humans adapt and survive. Anger is associated with the “fight, flight or freeze” response of the sympathetic nervous system, which is the response that comes before the urge to fight arrives. Fight does not mean fist fighting, but it does point to an extreme release of energy, emotions, and stress hormones. For our primitive ancestors, this response helped them hunt or protect themselves from predators. 

For modern humans, anger — and its associated stress on the nervous system — no longer has any evolutionary benefits. In fact, anger can be incredibly harmful for our health and well-being. Short-term memory, judgment, brain neurons and the immune system are negatively affected through prolonged release of these stress hormones which accompany severe anger.

Different Forms of Anger Can Include:

• Justifiable anger
• Annoyance anger
• Aggressive anger

Physical Symptoms of Anger Can Include:

• Adrenaline rush
• Tense muscles
• Rise in blood pressure
• Rapid breathing
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Clenched fist and jaw

Recognizing Out of Control Anger

• Constant repression of angry feelings
• Out of control behaviors, like breaking things or reckless driving
• Physical violence: Slamming doors, hitting walls, shouting at people
• Trouble with the law
• Frequent arguing with family and friends
• Threats of violence

The ability to manage anger is a learned behavior. ARM Dallas provides caring and qualified Anger Management Professionals to guide through the exploration and source of your anger difficulties. If what you have read so far is something you are experiencing in combination with substance abuse, contact us. We are here to provide treatment for the various aspects of substance abuse, mental illness and emotions which are out of control.

Anger as a Sign of a Mental Health or Substance Use Disorder

Anger is a by-product of certain mental health disorders. Anxiety, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder, among others, note anger traits as symptoms. Additionally, withdrawing from drugs or alcohol can cause emotional and angry outbursts and is generally a sign that someone is struggling with addiction and needs help. 

Mental Health Disorders Including Anger Issues

Depending on the level of anger experienced and frequency, anger can contribute to problems with relationships, occupation and mental health. However, recognizing when anger is contributing to problems in your life, relationships, or taking a toll on your overall well-being is an important first step in getting treatment. 

While there are many mental health disorders that mark anger as a symptom, there are several that are anger-based, such as:

What Is Anger Management Counseling? 

Anger Management Counseling leads the patient into understanding their own personal anger and why it exists. Learning healthy ways to manage anger, teaching self-help techniques to thwart out-of-control outbursts, and pinpointing sources of anger takes time. Managing anger is not an overnight process. Learning healthy coping skills takes time and effort, but it is possible. 

Things from everyday stressors to major life challenges can trigger anger symptoms. Setting goals and then practicing step-by-step techniques are management skills that can help individuals struggling with anger issues utilize newly learned skills, instead of falling back on dangerous old behaviors. 

Who Is Anger Management Counseling For?

If you are already struggling with controlling your anger and have developed negative coping mechanisms, you need to consider anger management counseling. 

Those experiencing extreme anger may attempt self-help techniques before reaching out for help with anger management counseling. If anger is combined with substance abuse or mental illness, anger management may be too complicated to resolve using self-help techniques alone. This is why it is important to get an evaluation from a mental health professional to resolving anger issues — especially in conjunction with mental health or substance use disorders.

Whether you need long-term help or short-term guidance, holistic techniques are always good to learn. They can be incorporated into the treatment plan to help alleviate anxiety and incorporate a sense of self and hope in the beginning stages of treatment. 

• Deep breathing techniques
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Increase sleep to 8 hours per night
• Tension release exercises
• Find a physical channel for your anger, such as running or taking up a sport, like martial arts
• Distance your anger by drawing, painting, writing

Support groups for those with anger management problems are another tool to be approached in your treatment. Taking advantage of every resource available encourages self-awareness and hopefulness for a healthy future. 

Anger Management Counseling Services in Dallas

The ability to manage anger is a learned behavior. ARM Dallas provides caring and qualified Anger Management Professionals to guide you through the exploration and source of your anger difficulties and give you the tools to learn to manage your anger in helpful and healthy ways. .

Our staff of medical and mental health professionals offer caring and individual treatment plans for those experiencing anger, substance abuse and mental illness. For more information about our treatment options, call us at 214-943-5010 or contact us today.