Anger strikes everyone at some time or another. How we respond to anger, however, can mean the difference between a healthy approach to problem solving and a violent, uncontrolled reaction that can hurt not only yourself, but those around you.

Definition of Anger

While anger as an emotion is difficult to describe, it does have a definition, provided by psychologists and therapists. From irritation to rage to intense, uncontrollable fury, anger runs through a gamut that can drive an individual forward to take constructive action or drive them to destroy.

On the physical level, anger brings about changes to body processes. Heartbeat speeds up and blood pressure rises as adrenaline surges through the system.

Part of the definition of anger is that it inflates the negative qualities of a person or situation you feel anger towards. Things seem worse than they are, triggering a fight or flight reaction. This exaggeration contributes to the instability of your mental state.

Anger can be a constructive force if handled properly. Anger about injustice leads many individuals to work to correct that injustice. But if mishandled, anger is just as likely to bring about the end of relationships, jobs, and even lives.

Controlling Anger

When anger becomes a destructive force, anger management techniques can help bank the fire and redirect the energy anger triggers. Anger management teaches how to recognize the signs of oncoming anger and redirect them, keeping them from leading to violence or regretful actions. Instead, the energy is focused on taking positive action to address what is causing the anger.

Sometimes this action involves breathing techniques to enable focus and control. Sometimes it involves learning to address another person to constructively express what causes your anger. Anger management does not invalidate anger or consider it inappropriate--it just helps prevent ensuing reactions from becoming out of control, which is inappropriate.