Since anger is a normal human emotion, does that mean a certain amount can be beneficial? Anger is usually associated with destructive behavior and high cortisol levels, or a stress hormone that regulates metabolism and the immune system, but controlling the emotion can lead to several benefits.
According to psychologist Charles Spielberger, anger is defined as 'an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage.' Similar to other emotions, anger affects the body such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, and energy hormones like adrenaline.
Expressing anger is better than suppressing it and is a faster way to become calm and is healthy as long as it is expressed assertively and not with aggression. Releasing anger can help you refocus on something positive compared to unexpressed anger which can lead to passive-aggressive behavior. Sigmund Freud wrote 'Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.'
The unique emotion feels pleasurable at the moment, unlike other negative emotions like shame and sadness. Anger can even feel exhilarating since neurologically, the body releases dopamine which is part of the brain's reward system. Norepinephrine is also released, which is associated with the ability to concentrate and numbs physical or psychological pain.
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Anger Can Push You To Action
Anger can be mobilizing since the emotion zooms into a certain problem, whether external or internal. With proper control, that focus can help you actually deal with the problem. Collective anger can also be healthy, such as starting entire movements for change such as anger towards injustice.
It is also an important step when dealing with trauma and grief, described Hanson. It's a psychologist's job to help people with depression and anxiety, he explained, and anger is often an 'intermediate stage' that can lead to action instead of staying passive.
Anger can cause people to listen or react to something. We typically sympathize with feelings of sadness, loneliness, and worry, but only really listen when someone expresses anger. For example, anger that may be filled with hate can help therapists know how to treat their patients or can mobilize us to help our friends who are dealing with the emotion.
The emotion can also help you grow in mindfulness, being aware of negative emotions as well as positive feelings. Actively paying attention to your anger can help you pinpoint the source and triggers of the emotion, which can help you deal with it more effectively.
Anger that is not controlled can be dangerous, especially when it is fueled by spiteful hate. Hanson said, 'Hate is poisonous, but healthy anger can serve us in a lot of ways and is appropriate.'
