Table of Contents

What is Anger?

Anger is a core emotion and response from humans. Anger can be triggered by many different things, including mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, as well as physiological issues such as pain. External and internal stimuli can both contribute to anger.

What is Healthy vs. Unhealthy Anger?

Anger is a normal part of life, but there are differences between healthy and unhealthy anger. Individuals who experience anger that interferes with their quality of life or destroys relationships, jobs, or friendships may benefit from an assessment by a psychiatric professional and/or therapist.

When Does Anger Turn Into An Anger Disorder or Disordered Anger?

Anger turns into an anger disorder or disordered anger when it becomes persistent, uncontrollable, and disruptive to daily life. If anger leads to frequent explosive outbursts, aggression, or violence that is disproportionate to the situation, it may indicate an anger disorder like Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED). On the other hand, disordered anger occurs when anger is chronically mismanaged—whether through excessive suppression, passive-aggressiveness, or inappropriate expression—causing distress or harm to relationships, work, or well-being. The key difference is that an anger disorder is a diagnosable condition, while disordered anger reflects unhealthy but less severe patterns of anger expression.

The Symptoms of an Anger Disorder

While many individuals with anger disorders act out through yelling and physical violence, anger disorders can also come out in passive ways.

Symptoms of an Anger Disorder:

  • Suppressed rage
  • Constant focus on the negative
  • Acting out violently
  • Destroying property
  • Threatening others
  • Driving recklessly
  • Arguing with others constantly
  • Heightened irritability
  • Forcing others to tread carefully

Given the violence associated with some anger disorders, there are often victims who suffer at the hands of those with this mental health condition. While disordered anger is a symptom of a disease, victims should seek help for themselves and not use the disease to excuse the person’s actions against them.

Anger and Depression

Many have a stereotypical idea of depression, imagining an individual who never leaves the bed or home and spends all day crying. What many don’t realize is that individuals with depression may act out in anger, as well.

Those experiencing depression are often plagued by their inner critics. These voices make them feel unworthy. Acting out in anger might help these individuals temporarily relieve the anxiety these voices cause. Working with a therapist can often help individuals experiencing depression build stronger self-esteem.

Managing Anger

Many who suffer from disordered anger feel as though they can never regain control. There are techniques individuals can use to let anger out in more constructive ways. These techniques may help individuals slow anger down before it escalates and gets out of control.

Some calming techniques include:

  • Calmly state your feelings. Learn to state your feelings simply and calmly. Saying things like, “I’m feeling angry now,” can help assuage that anger.
  • Exercise Regularly. Getting regular exercise often helps release some of the pent-up energy related to an anger disorder. If you feel anger building, getting some exercise can serve as a healthier release.

While these techniques can be useful, those with disordered anger need the help and support of a mental health professional. These professionals can help tailor interventions that work with the specific needs of the individual.

LifeStance Health is a national leader in mental, behavioral, and emotional wellness with multiple locations in 0 states. Services and available treatments vary by location.

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Understanding Anger Management

On one level, anger management involves the use of specific techniques to help you control your temper and remain calm in triggering situations. On a deeper level, it is a way to understand that anger is a normal part of life but that you need to deploy it more constructively and effectively.

Many healthy individuals experience anger on a regular basis. It helps individuals process traumatic events and even small, everyday problems. When someone has an excess of uncontrolled anger, however, they may have an anger disorder. Anger disorders are often comorbid with other untreated mental disorders.

Anger Management Therapy

There are several types of therapy that can help those with an anger disorder. While some individuals may benefit from one, others may benefit from participating in several different therapies.

Anger management may include individual therapy, group therapy, inpatient treatment, and/or prescribed medication. Anger management therapy is different for everyone and should be tailored to an individual’s needs.

Individual Therapy for Anger Management

In individual therapy, individuals with disordered anger can work to uncover the triggers of their anger. Comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety can also be addressed. When anger stems from an emotional disorder, a psychiatrist may recommend medication as a supplement to therapy.

Group Therapy for Anger Management

In group therapy, individuals share their experiences with disordered anger. A therapist leads the session, guiding the conversation and providing coping strategies for the group to consider.

The Common Benefits of Anger Management Therapy

Disordered anger can leave you feeling out of control and as if your life is in chaos. Anger management therapy done in partnership with trained professionals can teach you useful techniques for managing anger. Anger is a symptom of a mental health disorder and requires compassionate care and intervention just like any other health problem.

Telehealth for Anger Management

Individuals who are unable to come into LifeStance’s offices for anger management therapy or psychiatric treatment may consider getting help via telehealth. This process gives individuals a way to meet with their therapist or psychiatric clinician from the comfort of their own homes. LifeStance provides the communication software needed while the individual accesses each session via a personal computer from a private setting in their home.

While telehealth offers great flexibility, there may be times when an in-person visit is necessary or appropriate. This could be necessary for clinical reasons, such as conducting a physical exam or providing more comprehensive care.

Find a mental health professional if you are interested in exploring anger management treatment options.