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| Guide to Recovering from PTSD Contents Introduction information copyright |
What is anger? Anger is the named feeling of agitation, frustration, indignation, exasperation, hostility or extreme displeasure. Anger can be expressed physically or emotionally towards oneself or others. Aggression may surface as a result of the anger causing one to engage in destructive behaviour toward self, others, or property. Aggression may manifest in verbal attacks, violent behaviour, general hostility, threats toward self or others, or agitation. Anger is a powerful emotion that can take control in the strongest of individuals and seems to have a life of its own. Anger is experienced in varied degrees from mild to extreme rage. When anger is expressed appropriately the outcome can be positive, promoting growth and facilitating change. When expressed in a negative or dangerous way, the results may include hurt feelings to self, family, or friends, injury, and physical or emotional illness. Depression is a commom outcome of anger.Many veterans have angry feelings and a need to discuss and express their feelings in a safe way. It is better to express angry feelings than to keep them inside! Sooner or later the angry feelings will rise to the surface and the volcano will blow. It is better to let those feelings out with those who understand, those who have been there, have walked where you have walked, than to keep them inside where they can make you sick. There is safety and understanding in sharing your anger.
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What can I do to control my anger? A veteran can learn to control anger so that anger does not take control. Individuals can learn to express their anger in a safe, constructive manner with support from others. Anger affects your relationships at work, within the familiy and all around you. It is important to let someone, such as a counselor, friend, or family member lend a listening ear. Veterans can practice thinking before they act. Anger often leads to impulsivity, causing one to say or do something he regrets later. It is important to learn to walk away, calm down, and think about the possible consequences. How can you express your angry feelings in a safe and constructive way? It is important to learn the specific triggers to your anger. What leads to your angry outbursts? It is usually not about the thing or person at whom you are directing your anger at that moment! This can be enlightening and lead to healing.Learn to do something distracting instead of attacking. Use empathy to understand why someone seems to be attacking you. Develop healthy coping skills to use right away when you sense angry feelings stirring: a sport you love, take a walk, music,self time-out, talk to a support person, write in a journal about your anger, or draw what you are feeling. Your Vet Center counselor will help you develop a safety plan to have ready whenever yousuddenly experience a trigger that could lead to an angry outburst. In time your fuse will lengthen. |