Anger is not always a problem. In fact, it can be a useful signal that something is wrong or that a boundary has been crossed. The issue arises when anger is expressed in ways that cause harm, whether to yourself or to the people around you.

When anger becomes difficult to control, it can show up as yelling, withdrawing, saying things you regret, or physical aggression. Over time, unmanaged anger can damage relationships, affect your work performance and take a real toll on your physical health. Elevated heart rate and blood pressure are common physical responses to anger, and chronic anger has been linked to cardiovascular problems and other health concerns.

Many people feel ashamed of their anger and try to suppress it. However, bottling up anger rarely works. Instead, it often surfaces in other ways, including anxiety, depression or physical illness. The good news is that anger is one of the most treatable psychological presentations. With the right support, most people see meaningful change relatively quickly.

What Does Anger Look Like?

Anger can present differently from person to person. Some common signs that anger may be affecting your life include:

• Frequent arguments with partners, family members or colleagues
• Difficulty letting go of perceived slights or injustices
• Physical reactions such as clenched jaw, racing heart or tension headaches
• Saying or doing things in anger that you later regret
• Feeling that small frustrations escalate quickly and disproportionately
• Others around you expressing concern about your reactions