Anger is a natural human emotion that everyone experiences, but if left unmanaged or becomes out of control, it can disrupt relationships, communication, and overall harmony in various settings, including the workplace and at home.
Symptoms of anger can be divided into two distinct types: Aggressive and passive.
Aggressive anger symptoms
- Vengeful, punitive
- Threatening behaviour
- Bullying, oppressing others
- Physically acting out towards others, inflicting violent harm
- Destructive such as destroying property
- Selfishness and being inconsiderate of others’ needs and feelings
- Unpredictable or explosive rage
- Blame and accusations
Passive anger symptoms
- Inflicting self-harm – physical violence directed at self
- Dispassionate, cold
- Ignoring people – giving the “silent treatment”
- Manipulation
- Martyrdom, dramatic self-sacrifice
- Avoidance
- Cynicism, resentment, inflexible
Understanding what triggers anger is the first way to address it and to manage emotions moving forward. You can do this by:
- Trying to identify any patterns in your reactions in certain situations, environments or people that provoke you
- Keep a record and log of any triggers and how you respond
- Practice mindfulness and breathing techniques
- Take time out when needed
- Focus on what you can control in a situation rather than what you can’t
- Seek professional health such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) where required
Further support
The British Association of Anger Management
NHS – Feelings and symptoms of anger
NHS Inform – How to control your anger
Ref: WPW0309 this information was published December 2024.
