It is natural for anyone to feel the heat rush and a bubbling sensation in the chest when someone cuts us off in the middle of a long queue. It also happens when someone constantly interrupts while we are making a point. This feeling of anger is a natural human emotion towards a threat or simply of being blamed for something you haven’t done. It can sometimes also stem from a strong feeling to protect oneself, as a survival mechanism. If you find yourself constantly exploding over trivial things, it might be time to seek professional anger management help. However, there is a difference between being annoyed or irritated and feeling like your temper can smash the vase at arm's length. It might be for some underlying resentment or unsolved issues.
Also Read: How Siliguri’s Top Psychiatrists are Redefining Mental Healthcare in North Bengal
Understanding your Threshold
In order to catch the root cause of your anger, it is important to understand the threshold. Is it anger or just stress? Most of us usually blame our loss of temper on some external factors, like a crying toddler on a flight, family problems, or financial problems. While there may be valid triggers, they should not turn you into a person you cannot recognise. Oftentimes, we say certain things in anger that hurt our loved ones, even though we do not intend to. And when we realise our mistake, it may be quite late. You should consider consulting a psychiatrist if your anger starts to follow these patterns:
The “Zero to Sixty” Anger Explosion
Going from being calm to screaming or breaking things in an instant on a trigger is often described as “hot-headed”. It is those situations when you have no “middle ground”. This split-second anger reaction, where you are unable to handle the intensity, is a red flag. Whereas healthy anger usually builds up, giving you time to analyse the situation by using logic. However, if that buffer zone is missing, it is usually a sign of emotional dysregulation.
Physical Aggression and Damage to Property
Physical aggression coupled with property damage is a critical sign of anger mismanagement. If you find yourself throwing the nearest object, punching walls, or getting into a heated physical altercation, the situation has likely moved beyond a simple mood issue. Such aggressive behaviour can have a significant effect on one’s social life, sometimes leading to legal, personal, or professional consequences.
Effect on Your Health
Anger is not just a mental state, but also a physical one. When you are angry, it triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response. Your body gets flooded with adrenaline and cortisol. If you are constantly in this state, it can affect the physical state of your body, leading to the following symptoms:
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High blood pressure
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Chronic headaches or migraines
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Chest tightness or heart palpitations
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Extreme fatigue after an outburst
Effect on Your Relationships
Uncontrolled rage can be a primary cause of strained relationships with those you care about. If your partner, children, or friends are “walking on eggshells” around you, the environment around your house has become hostile. When people you love start avoiding starting conversations because they fear your reaction, it is a clear signal that professional intervention is needed.
Why consider a psychiatrist specifically?
You might wonder why you should see a psychiatrist instead of talking to a friend, family member, or a general counsellor. While talk therapy is extremely beneficial, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mood disorders, compulsive behaviour, and anger management. They look at the biological aspect of anger and understand the underlying causes.
Sometimes, chronic anger can be a disguise for other underlying conditions, such as:
Anxiety: Anxiety feels like a constant ringing of alarm bells going off in your brain. The people around you seem unnecessarily loud, your surroundings feel overwhelming, and it feels like you are losing control over the situation. This leads to snapping at your kid or lashing out at your parents or partner as a reaction to the inner feeling.
Depression: In many cases, usually due to societal pressure and managing expectations, you can face persistent sadness and loss of interest even in the things which you once enjoyed. If you find yourself having the “empty feeling” or there is a significant change in your body weight without physical activity, you must seek professional assistance.
Chronic irritability: This is like having “thin skin” all the time, when every small inconvenience starts affecting you. When you are “always on the edge”, your nervous system does not fully return to the calm state of mind. This can take a toll on your physical health as well.
What Does Treatment Look Like?
Managing anger and its treatment is a collaborative process between the patient and the doctor. It usually involves a mix of:
- Diagnosis: The doctor identifies the underlying chemical imbalance from your history of outbursts.
- Medication management: If necessary, a doctor can prescribe a low-dose stabiliser or anti-anxiety medications to tone down your anger, so you can think before you react.
- Referral to Therapy: working alongside psychologists for CBT(Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can help manage the thought process.
Final Thoughts
Anger can be exhausting. When you are angry, it takes a huge amount of your energy and adrenaline. Think about how much more productive and happy you could be if that energy is redirected to your hobbies, your family, and your career. Professional anger management help can provide you with the methods to navigate your frustrations without losing your cool. Consulting a neuro psychiatrist like Dr Sudeshna Mukherjee in Siliguri is the first step towards finding mental peace and happiness. With over a decade of experience in neuro psychiatry, she is dedicated to helping patients understand their emotions and develop healthier ways to cope with anger.
Book a consultation with the best psychiatrist in Siliguri or a preferred location to ensure an accurate diagnosis and anger management.
