by No one really knows what makes people angry. It could be someone cutting you off or a loved one not listening to you. Coming home after a long day at work and meeting noisy guests can also get on your nerves. There can be several reasons why you are losing your temper. Anger is a common and sometimes healthy emotion. But if you often react to a situation with anger, you are clearly angry. Taming your anger is important if mental health is your priority. Read on to find out what causes temper tantrums and why controlling anger is important.
To understand an angry person, it is necessary to understand the concept of personality. Personality is an inherent and enduring trait that influences a person’s behavior, attitudes, and thoughts. A person who possesses an unpredictable disposition or exhibits immediate outbursts of anger can be considered to have an angry personality, says Dr. Ayushi Shukla, Consultant – Psychiatry, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), SRV Hospitals, Dombivli, Maharashtra.
Common causes of anger
Many might wonder why some people are angry. While there is no single definitive theory to fully explain the origin of angry behavior, there are a few possible contributing factors:
1. Genetic influence
Genetics play a major role in a person’s personality traits, including a predisposition to be angry.
2. Neurophysiological factors
Various functional imaging techniques have revealed structural and functional brain abnormalities in people with angry personalities, the expert told Health Short.
3. Childhood development
Difficult tempers during infancy can progress to angry traits. Harsh and inconsistent parenting, family conflict, and childhood trauma can be risk factors.
4. Underlying mental health issues
Angry behavior isn’t just about mood swings. It can manifest as an outward symptom of an underlying mental disorder. Conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intermittent explosive disorder, antisocial personality disorder, depression, psychosis and bipolar disorder can lead to sudden outbursts of anger, explains the expert.
5. Underlying physical health issues
An angry temper might just be the visible part of a larger underlying health problem. Conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, head trauma, and tumors could contribute to such behavior.
Anger and health
Having an angry character negatively affects a person’s overall health.
1. Physical health
Sudden outbursts of anger can cause blood pressure to rise and even trigger panic attacks. Also, existing physical conditions, including heart disease, could worsen due to such episodes, says Dr. Shukla.
2. Mental Health
Angry behavior can contribute to the development of various mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and insomnia. People can also make irrational decisions, which can lead to drug addiction or reckless driving.
3. Social health
An angry character affects a person’s social relationships in different spheres, including work, home, school and university. You may lose friends or people will just start ignoring you if you don’t get your anger under control. After all, no one wants to be with a grumpy person all the time.
Ways to control bad mood
If your anger is affecting your physical, mental or social well-being, it is crucial to seek medical attention. You can also do the following:
• Combine mindfulness, breathing exercises, and meditation with professional support to effectively manage tantrums.
• Recognize triggers and plan preventively for such situations.
• Keep a mood diary to track your daily emotions, including anger.
• Participation in extracurricular activities and physical exercise can provide angry people with a constructive outlet for their anger.
You can even have a glass of water to refresh yourself!
