Understanding Your Anger

Feeling hot under the collar? It may have an upside!

- Amber Bramble

When we think of positive emotions, anger usually isn’t the first one that comes to mind. But can it actually be good for us?

Clinical psychologist Tamara Cavenett, president of the Australian Psychological Society, says yes, but only under certain circumstances. “What I really encourage everyone to consider is that no emotions are necessarily bad,” she explains. “All emotions are designed to have certain outcomes. In the case of anger, a really positive side is that it motivates you.”

This could be defending yourself if you’re being mistreated, or speaking up against social injustice. “It can make you assert your needs, let people know how you feel [and] create some really positive change,” Cavenett says.

NEGATIVE ANGER

While anger can be positive, aggression is not a good thing. Anger might become a problem if it’s impacting on your daily life, or people around you have expressed their concerns. Other signs include frequent outbursts or distress, health problems, relationship issues and moments of regret.

At its worst, anger can lead to violence and physical injury. People may also become withdrawn, or try to self-medicate with alcohol and other drugs. “There’s moments where you know anger is unhealthy, it’s unhelpful and potentially can be quite damaging,” Cavenett says.

ANGER MANAGEMENT