Winton Eliott
Repressed anger is a condition that many people battle with and for many of them, it’s difficult to describe what it means to be angry.
They have repressed anger so much that they can’t even begin to access it.
I’ve discovered over the years that this pattern of suppression isn’t limited to rage; other unpleasant feelings are also suppressed, such as sadness, anxiety, and disappointment.
Why do people repress their anger?
There are many reasons why people suppress anger. It includes:
We were taught that it’s not okay to express anger.
Children may have seen their parents repress anger and learned from them that it’s not something to be expressed.
They may have also been told by adults that anger is bad and that they should never show it. As a result, many people grow up believing that they need to suppress their anger in order to be well-liked and successful.
However, research has shown that repressing anger can actually lead to physical and mental health problems. In addition, suppressing anger can make it difficult to resolve conflict in a constructive way.
Instead of repressing anger, it’s important to learn how to express anger in a healthy and productive way.
We don’t know how to express anger in a healthy way.
Many people don’t know how to express their anger in a healthy way because they’ve never been taught how.
They may have seen their parents or other adults express anger in an unhealthy way, such as through violence or verbal abuse. As a result, they may not know how to express their own anger in a healthy way.
It’s important to learn how to express anger in a way that is assertive and respectful.
We’re afraid of what will happen if we express our anger.
People may be afraid of expressing their anger because they think it will lead to conflict or violence.
They may also be afraid of being rejected or ostracized by others. However, it’s important to remember that anger is a normal and healthy emotion.
It’s only when it’s expressed in an unhealthy way that it can become a problem.
What are the consequences of repressing anger?
There are many consequences of repressing anger, including:
Physical health problems
Research has shown that repressing anger can have a number of negative consequences on physical health.
People who repress their anger are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, migraines, tension headaches, stomach ulcers, and other health problems.
In addition, repressing anger can lead to depression and anxiety. It can also make it difficult to form and maintain healthy relationships.
Mental health problems
Repression can have serious consequences for mental health.
People who bottle up their anger are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, and they may also be at increased risk for developing substance abuse problems.
Additionally, repression can lead to physical health problems, such as high blood pressure and migraines. In extreme cases, it can even lead to self-harm or suicide.
Difficulty resolving conflict
When anger is not expressed in a healthy way, it can lead to all sorts of problems. One of the most common consequences of repressing anger is difficulty resolving conflict.
When we stuff down our anger, we are less likely to be able to see the situation clearly and find a resolution that works for everyone.
Instead, we may lash out in an unproductive way or simply withdraw, leading to further misunderstanding and tension.
In addition, repressed anger can lead to physical health problems such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and high blood pressure. It can also contribute to anxiety and depression.
How to release repressed anger?
There are many techniques that can help you release repressed anger in a healthy way. Some of these techniques include:
Identifying Your Triggers
The first step is to identify what triggers your anger.
Once you know your triggers, you can develop strategies for dealing with them. For example, if you find yourself getting angry every time you are stuck in traffic, you might try listening to calm music or taking deep breaths to help keep yourself calm.
If you know that you tend to lash out at loved ones when you are feeling overwhelmed, you might take some time for yourself before seeing them.
By identifying your triggers and learning to deal with them in a healthy way, you can help to release repressed anger and prevent it from damaging your relationships.
Expressing Your Anger in a Healthy Way
Once you have identified your triggers, it is important to learn how to express your anger in a healthy way.
This may mean learning to communicate assertively or finding healthy outlets for your anger, such as exercise or journaling. If you are not sure how to express your anger in a healthy way, consider talking to a therapist or counselor.
They can help you to identify and work through your anger in a way that is healthy and productive.
Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a technique that can help you to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions.
Once you are aware of your anger, you can begin to deal with it in a more productive way. One way to practice mindfulness is to focus on your breath.
Once you have identified that you are feeling angry, take a few deep breaths and focus on the sensation of the air moving in and out of your lungs.
This will help to center you and allow you to deal with your anger in a more constructive way.
Finding an Outlet for Your Anger
It is important to find a healthy outlet for your anger.
Some people find that exercise helps them to deal with their anger. Others find that writing or journaling about their anger can be helpful.
If you are not sure what will work for you, experiment with different activities until you find something that helps you to feel better.
Learning to Accept Your Anger
One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to learn to accept your anger.
Anger is a normal and healthy emotion. It is okay to feel angry from time to time. What is important is how you deal with your anger.
If you are able to express it in a healthy way, it can be a positive force in your life. If you allow it to control you, however, it can damage your relationships and lead to physical and mental health problems.
Learning to accept your anger is an important step in learning to deal with it in a healthy way.
The takeaway
Repressed anger can lead to physical and mental health problems.
It is important to learn how to deal with your anger in a healthy way. Some techniques that may help include identifying your triggers, expressing your anger in a healthy way, practicing mindfulness, and finding an outlet for your anger.
Learning to accept your anger is also an important step. If you are not sure how to deal with your anger in a healthy way, talking to a therapist can be helpful.
