Anger can be beneficial as it serves an evolutionary purpose. We can feel angry in response to a threat or danger and it is part of our survival system. It alerts us to threatening situations and reflects our boundaries. This automatic process is known as ‘fight or flight’, and anger is part of the emotional response activation. This survival mechanism helps us to either defeat a threat (fight) or run from it (flight).

In a situation where anger is triggered, this survival mechanism is activated, causing neurotransmitters in the brain to release the ‘stress hormones’ adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase our heart rate, send energy to the major muscle groups, and create a sense of alertness and tension. They get the body ready for action.

A healthy expression of anger allows for this tension to be released and for the body to return to harmonious balance. If the anger is expressed destructively, it can have negative consequences for those around you. However, if expressing anger is inhibited, the tension remains stored in the body, causing increased frustration and physical and psychological issues.

Anger becomes most harmful when it is suppressed or denied by the person experiencing it.

Our upbringing, conditioning, and cultural background directly affects how we perceive anger and how we express it. For example, suppressing anger can result from witnessing other people’s destructive behaviours, becoming frightened of our own temper, or being explicitly taught not to show anger.

Anger management therapy enables you to explore your anger issues and the underlying causes and teaches you techniques that activate your rational mind, allowing you to choose to respond to your feelings of anger creatively rather than allowing them to control you.