All Psyched Up: What is making you angry?
By Medicine Hat News on March 8, 2019.
It is very difficult if not impossible to enjoy your life when you are feeling angry. Not everyone understands where anger comes from or how to get rid of it. The first thing to do when dealing with anger is to have some understanding of why you are feeling this emotion. Following are some things to ponder. Are you angry because: 1. Somebody you trusted hurt you? Unfortunately, other people can deliberately or deliberately cause physical and or emotional harm. This can have long-term effects, especially if you just push it down and don’t deal with it. 2. A stranger scammed you? Some people make their living by cheating others. They are very good at convincing you that they are looking out for your best interests – but they aren’t. Remember that old adage: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” 3. You feel out of control? My mom would frequently say “This isn’t the way that I planned it.” When we cannot control things and life doesn’t match the plans that we have made, it can be difficult. 4. You are not getting your way? Think about the four-year-old who throws a temper tantrum in the store because his parents won’t buy the toy or candy that he wants. Adults can be just as upset when they don’t get things they want. 5. Regrets? Blaming yourself for things that you did or didn’t do in the past can lead to disappointment, anger and immobility. 6. Others don’t respect you? It is hard to gain wisdom and experience but then have others ignore your advice. Being treated like you don’t know what you are talking about can have a negative impact on your confidence and sense of identity. 7. You aren’t who you used to be? Perhaps your memory or ability to concentrate have deteriorated. You might not be able to physically move or perform as you had in the past. Aging can threaten you especially when you focus on what you have lost. 8. Goals weren’t reached? If you think that you didn’t achieve things or realize your dreams, you can have a seething anger that festers over time. 9. You are afraid? Emotions usually travel in tandem. I know that when a person is angry s/he is likely afraid. The greater the anger, the greater the fear that is fueling it. 10. Life has handed you losses? Perhaps a fire, death or job loss has triggered the anger that you are feeling. Anger can hurt both your health and your relationships if they aren’t handled well. But it is not the anger that is a problem. It is what you do with it. The best strategies for dealing with anger include talking it out, walking it out, letting go, focusing on positives and learning to forgive (yourself and others). If you need help with this book an appointment with a registered psychologist who is trained and experienced when it comes to problem solving. Dr. Linda Hancock (www.LindaHancock.com) is the author of “Life is an adventure…every step of the way” and “Open for Business Success” is a Registered Psychologist who has a private practice in Medicine Hat, Alberta Canada. She can be reached at 403-529-6877 or through email office@drlindahancock.com 16-15
