Mission Connection Healthcare has published a new guide for adults who struggle with suppressed anger, highlighting the symptoms and the toll of habitual emotional suppression. The guide also lists several resources and treatment options that adults can consider for managing anger issues.
For more information, please visit https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/mental-health/anger-issues/suppressed-anger/
Anger is a normal human emotion that may arise in response to certain triggers. The American Psychological Association says that anger is often expressed verbally in the form of shouting, cursing, or arguing; or physically in the form of breaking objects or beginning altercations with others. On the other hand, some individuals do not express their anger at all, hiding it and sometimes directing it inwards; this is known as suppressed anger.
Mission Connection’s guide says that suppressing anger is not always negative, as it can give the individual the opportunity to regulate their emotions, preventing outbursts or hostility. However, habitually suppressing feelings of anger can impact mental health, often causing emotional symptoms like resentment, irritability, and low moods; the individual may also exhibit passive-aggressive behaviors or withdraw from social situations to avoid conflict.
The guide adds that suppressed anger can cause physical symptoms such as tension headaches, muscle pain, and fatigue and increase the risk of developing hypertension and digestive issues.
While chronic suppressed anger can be treated, it is difficult to manage without identifying the causes. Mission Connection’s team says that professional therapy can help patients both determine the roots of their anger issues and learn how to express their emotions constructively. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one modality that is often used in anger management treatment, as it focuses on addressing harmful thought patterns that contribute to emotional suppression.
Therapists may also teach patients anger expression techniques and mindfulness practices that are effective at helping process anger and relax the body, which can alleviate the physical symptoms. Additionally, patients may be recommended art therapy and family or relationship counseling, depending on the causes of their anger.
Finally, Mission Connection says that individuals who struggle with suppressed anger can consider trying self-care techniques like journaling or deep breathing exercises, as these are proven to have a calming effect on the mind.
More information is available at https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/