It’s 9:17 a.m.: Kevin sprints downstairs, cursing under his breath that his wife had to hit snooze, not once, but twice. On his awkward sprint out to the car juggling his coffee and papers for his meeting, he spills the coffee all over his nice suit. Now he’s stuck in traffic. A red car zooms in front of him and cuts him off without even using his blinker. He lets them go with a few punches on the car horn and takes off into the left lane, nearly hitting someone else. But at least he used his blinker. Finally, at work, he runs up to his desk. His watch already tells him he’s late, so he didn’t need his assistant to tell him that. When his assistant then continues to hand him a clipboard with papers to sign, Kevin loses it. The white-hot anger breaks before he has time to prepare himself. The next words out of his mouth are a yell.
***
There were definitely some very frustrating experiences in Kevin’s morning. Everyone has bad days when their temper is frayed, but even in this short fictional example, we see there were probably better ways to handle the anger. Like many people, Kevin found controlling his anger easier said than done. And for good reason! When everything in you is screaming to punch back, it can be excruciating to ignore the impulse and work on control. But it is possible.
Thriveworks Pooler Anger Management counselors strive to help you find the root of anger in your life and practice the best strategies to combat it.
What’s the Deal with Anger?
Anger is as natural as other emotions like joy, fear, and love. Everyone experiences it, and it has a healthy side. When it’s properly managed that is. It’s all too easy to let it control you rather than the other way around.
When it does, it doesn’t just affect people around us, it can start to affect our mind and body. Long-term, anger can break down our bodies. Some effects include:
- Increased blood pressure
- Liver and kidney damage
- High cholesterol
- Increased risk of coronary artery disease
- Increased risk of a heart attack
If anger is an emotion, why does it affect our bodies like that? The answer is hormones. Anger activates our survival instinct- the “flight or fight” response. This then releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are great in a dangerous, short-term situation, but can tear the body long-term.
Short-term, anger can wreak havoc on our emotions and thoughts. Anger is linked to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and lower success/satisfaction in relationships.
Nothing is permanent though. Anger is controllable, even if it is difficult. Thriveworks Pooler has years of experience to help you navigate the complicated skill of anger management.
Our anger management counselors want to stress that struggling with anger does not equate with being a bad person. You don’t have less will-power or worth just because anger has a presence in your life. It might just mean one or two more coping mechanisms could be implemented. That is what Thriveworks Pooler is here for.
Do I Really Need Anger Management?
Anger affects everyone at every stage of life. Thriveworks Pooler Anger Management counselors have seen people across all living situations, occupations, and ages. The two things we’ve seen over and over again are: There’s always hope to grow, and there’s never a reason too big or too small that counseling can’t help with. If you close your eyes and wish for a different life in any capacity, counseling can help you get there.
We understand that it takes courage to reach out and ask for help. If you still have doubts, look for some of these signs:
- People are avoiding you
- You’ve lost relationships
- People are afraid of talking with you
- Your health is suffering
- You are feeling depressed and/or anxious
- You feel out of control when angry
- You say and do things that you regret later
You are so much stronger than your emotions. With a little professional guidance, you can learn to be in control of your anger again.
What Does Anger Management Counseling Look Like?
Thriveworks Pooler will always remain focused on you. What are your goals? Your doubts? Our job is to meet you where you’re at and grow together from there. So, each Anger Management session will be different. A few common tools we might practice include:
- Strategies for relaxation
- How to alter how you think
- How to change your surroundings
- Different and more efficient communication
- Problem solving current issues
- Ways to repair and strengthen relationships
Anger is not a life sentence. Often, we only need one or two coping mechanisms to get back on track and in control.
Thriveworks Pooler creates a judgment free space for anyone to come practice the skills that will help them lead a healthier, happier life. You deserve to be free of your anger, and we are excited to walk that journey with you!
