Many people think of anger as something wrong or something to hide from others. Anger is a universal emotion that everyone experiences. Anger triggers the fight or flight response, giving a person the strength, drive, and ability to protect themselves when someone wants to hurt them. In modern day-to-day life, it can be a response to situations that a person perceives as unsettling, stressful, or unfair. While there are several ways that anger can be expressed, unresolved anger comes about when someone purposely avoids expressing their anger, often because of environmental or societal factors.
Unresolved anger can cause issues later on in life. If you or someone you love is struggling to manage their anger in a healthy way, Evoke Waltham is ready to help. Our anger management therapy program is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Our experienced and compassionate staff members provide patients with the support they need to cope with difficult emotions. Anger doesn’t have to take over your life, and you can take control of your feelings and actions with the tools and strategies taught in an anger management program. Contact us at 866.276.1920 to learn more about the effects of unresolved anger.
What Causes Unresolved Anger
Anger can be a complex emotion to manage because there is a prevailing opinion that it is not something that should be openly expressed. Unresolved anger can result from various sources, such as trauma, past relationships, and genetics. No matter the cause, unresolved anger can have detrimental effects on a person’s physical and emotional well-being.
One of the most common causes of unresolved anger is trauma or abuse. Trauma can be defined as an emotional response that occurs after an individual has faced some life-threatening event or situation. When these events occur in someone’s life, they may cause intense anger that is difficult to deal with and often remain unresolved.
Past relationships can also play a role in unresolved anger. When someone has experienced a negative relationship in their past, such as with a family member or partner, it can leave them feeling betrayed and angry for years afterward if those feelings are not adequately addressed and worked through. Complicated relationships may lead to suppressed emotions that later manifest as unresolved anger.
Some individuals are also more prone to experiencing high-stress levels when faced with life challenges due to genetic factors. This could lead to intense feelings of frustration which then become unresolved due to a lack of proper coping skills or resources available for dealing with stressful situations.
How Does Unresolved Anger Affect You
The effects of unresolved anger can lead to physical and emotional issues that impact all areas of life. It may also lead to destructive behaviors such as violence, substance use, and eventually addiction.
- Physical effects – Unresolved anger can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, chest pain, high blood pressure, and skin problems. It can also contribute to heart disease and other medical conditions.
- Emotional effects – People with unresolved anger can experience sadness, guilt, shame, frustration, and depression. These emotions can be overwhelming for someone who has difficulty managing their anger in healthy ways. People who struggle with unresolved anger often feel isolated from friends and family because they cannot express themselves in productive ways. In some cases, this can even lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts at self-harm.
- Behavioral effects – When someone cannot manage their anger properly, it can lead to destructive behaviors such as aggression or violence towards others. The intense emotions associated with unresolved anger can cause people to engage in risky activities such as reckless driving or promiscuous behavior to relieve stress.
Anyone struggling to manage their anger should seek help from a mental health professional to learn healthy ways of dealing with their emotions. The sooner that treatment begins, the better off they will be.
Turn to Evoke Waltham for an Anger Management Therapy Program
The effects of unresolved anger can be overwhelming and difficult to manage, but help is available. If you feel that you could use more support in managing your anger, Evoke Waltham offers a comprehensive anger management therapy program. Very few people are taught the proper skills to manage their anger, but it’s never too late to learn. With the help of our supportive community and experienced staff members, patients have the chance to break free from their unresolved anger and live more fulfilled, happier lives. Contact us today at 866.276.1920 so our admissions team can get you started.
