Prolonging Your Quick Temper's Duration: A Guide
Anger is a common human emotion, a biological response to threats that helps us survive. However, when it starts affecting our work, personal life, or relationships, it might be time to seek help.
Being quick to anger does not make someone a mean or bad person. It's a characteristic or habit, not a diagnosis. But if it becomes a problem, there are numerous ways to manage and cope with anger.
One immediate way to deal with anger is through various coping mechanisms. These can include doing cardio exercises, screaming into a pillow, taking a cold shower, practicing breathing techniques, or planning ahead for potential triggers.
For long-term strategies, practicing mindfulness, planning around triggers, and reducing caffeine intake can be beneficial. Mood tracking, such as using a bullet journal or a mood-tracking app, can also help catch burgeoning anger before it erupts.
Professional help, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or anger management support groups, can be particularly helpful for those with strong temperaments or frequent anger outbursts. These therapies can provide structured help, peer exchange, and body and imagination exercises to support regulation and coping.
People with a short temper may exhibit physical/external signs such as screaming, shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, blurred vision, and increased blood pressure. Emotional/internal signs include feeling out of control, frustration, oversensitivity, easy irritability, embarrassment, shame, regret, and potential signs of depression and/or anxiety.
It's important to note that anger can be a symptom of various health issues like depression, ADHD, and intermittent explosive disorder. A 2010 study linked having a short temper to long-term health issues, emphasizing the importance of managing anger effectively.
Expressing anger inappropriately can lead to negative feelings like guilt, regret, and sadness. Apologizing when necessary can help manage relationships and feelings of guilt. It's better to redirect anger energy rather than trying to eliminate it.
Anger expression may be a genetic trait, potentially requiring professional guidance. If you find that your anger tendencies are negatively impacting your life, consider seeking help from a therapist experienced in cognitive behavioral therapy or an anger management support group.
