by Jessica Brown of ContemporaryVA

Anger is a unique emotion that is often unpredictable and unattractive. In most cases anger is a reaction to a deeper inner emotion and not a planned event. Anger can make you feel weak and vulnerable or strong and in control. Angry behaviors are usually learned over many years. It can take a great deal of effort, but these same behaviors can be replaced with healthier ones.

Many choose to repress anger and others express it impulsively, both of which can have negative consequences. To better help change the way we respond to anger, it is important that we understand how it originates. There are many factors that attribute to the increased probability of anger being the chosen reaction.

Often times we have seen our own parents or others around us become angry initially, which teaches us how to repeat this habit in our own lives. Stress can cause an anger reaction. When the body or mind is stressed anger offers a way to release that frustration, even for a split second. Suppressing anger over time can lead to increased pressure built up within that can also lead to emotional or physical outbursts. Stress reduction techniques such as guided visualization can help relieve this tension in a healthy manner.

There are many different styles of anger. One person may scream, curse or become enraged. Another person could completely shut down and isolate themselves from others. Some take out their frustrations on those they are closest to. There are even some who completely ignore the anger feelings and distract themselves by situations around them. However you choose to deal with anger, it is wise to be fully aware of alternative methods to use that can help your body and mind adapt, accept and cope.

Do you suffer from anger? What have you found helps to keep it in check?