Anxiety and anger are two of the most common emotions that people experience. They can both be very intense, and they can both have a negative impact on your life if they are not dealt with properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the connection between anxiety and anger, and we will provide some tips on how to deal with these emotions.
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What Is The Connection Between Anxiety And Anger?
Anxiety is actually defined as a feeling of fear, worry, and uneasiness. It’s a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. Anxiety can be helpful in some situations. For example, it can help you stay alert and focused. Also, it can motivate you to take action. But when anxiety is constant or overwhelming. Then, it’s a problem.
Anger, on the other hand, is an emotion we feel when we perceive that someone or something has threatened us in some way. Like anxiety, anger is a normal emotion. And it can be helpful in some situations. For example, it can help you defend yourself or take action to make necessary changes. But when anger is constant or overwhelming, it’s a problem.
It is believed that there is a strong connection between anxiety and anger. Some of these similarities and connections include;
Cognitive symptoms
Both anxiety and anger can cause similar cognitive symptoms. For example;
- racing thoughts
- irritability
- difficulty concentrating
- out of control
- helpless or powerless
Cognitive symptoms are usually defined as the thoughts or mental processes that we experience. And, these symptoms can be different for everyone. According to studies, the symptoms of both conditions are caused by the same areas of the brain.
Psychological cause
Anxiety and anger are caused by the same psychological roots. Both are mostly caused by feelings of insecurity, fear, and frustration. When we feel like we’re not in control of a situation, our natural response is to either become anxious or angry.
Psychologists assert that both situations equated to a loss of control. In simple words, when you feel that you can not do anything to change the situation, it leads to anxiety and anger. Moreover, the cause of both can be genetic. If your parents or grandparents had anxiety or anger issues. Then, you are more likely to develop them as well.
Impacts on physical health
When the situation is not resolved, anxiety and anger can take a toll on your physical health. And, both shares a common connection with your cardiovascular system. When you get anxious, your heart rate and blood pressure increases, which also happens when you’re angry. So, both can impact your physical health in the same way. For example;
- increased heart rate
- sweating
- tension
- clenched or tight muscles
- tension headaches
- stomach upset
- headaches
- high blood pressure
- stroke
But, it’s important to note that everyone experiences these symptoms differently. And, not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. Both the conditions are believed to be caused by the same neurotransmitters in the brain. So, there is a connection between anxiety and anger and their impact on physical health. And, it’s important to find ways to deal with these emotions in a healthy way.
Same triggers
There are high chances that people who experience anxiety also tend to experience anger. This is because both emotions are usually brought about by the same triggers. For instance, if someone is anxious about an upcoming test, they may also get angry when someone interrupts their studying.
Recognizing this connection can be helpful in managing both emotions. In fact, it may be easier to deal with one emotion if its trigger is identified and addressed.
What Other Mental Illnesses It Could Be?
Anxiety and anger are often a sign of other underlying conditions. If you are experiencing too much anger and anxiety. Then, you should know about these conditions. These include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Substance abuse disorders
The reason behind your anxiety and anger could be any of these conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you should consult a doctor. Moreover, some medical conditions can also cause anxiety and anger. These include:
- Hypothyroidism
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Pheochromocytoma
So, these are some of the medical conditions that could be the reason behind your anxiety and anger. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you should consult a doctor. Also, there are certain lifestyle changes that can help you.
How To Manage Anxiety And Anger?
Anxiety and anger are two emotions that often go hand in hand. When you’re feeling anxious, you may also experience feelings of anger, frustration, and even despair. It can be difficult to cope with these intense emotions, but there are some things you can do to manage anxiety and anger.
Here are some tips to help you deal with anxiety and anger;
Identify the root cause
When you feel overwhelmed with anxiety and anger, it can be helpful to take a step back and try to identify the root cause of these emotions. Ask yourself questions;
- Are you feeling anxious because you’re worried about an upcoming event?
- Or are you angry because someone has wronged you?
Once you know what’s causing your anxiety or anger, you can begin to deal with these emotions in a more constructive way. In fact, it is to be said that you cannot manage what you do not understand.
Talk to someone you trust
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and anger, talking to someone you trust can be a great way to release some of these emotions. Talking openly and honestly about how you’re feeling can help you to feel better and may also give you some insights into how to deal with your anxiety or anger. Moreover, it is a form of catharsis, which can be healing in itself.
Try relaxation techniques
There are many different relaxation techniques you can try to help calm your mind and body. Some popular relaxation techniques include; yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, and deep breathing exercises. Taking some time out to relax can help you to feel more in control of your emotions and may also help to reduce the intensity of your anxiety or anger.
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to release tension and stress, which can be helpful if you’re feeling anxious or angry. It releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. Moreover, exercise can also help to improve your sleep, which can be beneficial if you’re struggling with anxiety or anger. Moreover, it has long-term benefits for your mental and physical health.
Write it down
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can also be a helpful way to deal with anxiety and anger. This is because it can help you to identify and understand your emotions. Additionally, writing can be a form of self-expression and can be used as a form of catharsis. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can also help you to develop a plan of how to deal with your anxiety or anger.
Talk to a therapist
Therapists are professionals who are trained to help people deal with their emotions. If you’re struggling to cope with anxiety and anger, talking to a therapist can be a great way to get some help. Therapists can provide you with tools and strategies to help you deal with your conditions in a more constructive way. CBT is the most effective psychological treatment for anxiety and has been shown to be helpful in managing anger.
Try Mantra Care for anxiety and anger. It is a platform that provides digital mental health services and treatment for anxiety and anger. Mantra Care’s online platform makes it easy to access therapy from the comfort of your own home. You can book a free consultation with a therapist to see if Mantra Care is right for you.
Join a support group
Support groups are a great way to meet other people who are dealing with similar issues. Support groups can provide you with a space to share your experiences and feelings, and they can also be a great source of support and information. There are many different types of support groups available, so it’s important to find one that’s right for you.
These are some of the ways in which you can deal with anxiety and anger. It is important to remember that everyone copes with these emotions differently. So what works for one person may not work for another. If you’re struggling to cope with this, it’s important to seek professional help. Mantra Care can provide you with the support you need to manage these emotions in a more constructive way.
Conclusion
To conclude, anxiety and anger are two emotions that are closely connected. If you find yourself feeling anxious, it is important to take a step back and assess the situation. If you find that your anxiety is causing you to feel angry, it is important to deal with both emotions in a healthy way.
Remember to stay mindful of your thoughts and feelings, and to express them in a constructive way. Moreover, it is important to seek help from a professional if you feel like you are struggling to cope with your emotions.
In fact, professional help can be extremely beneficial in managing both anxiety and anger. If you are feeling anxious or angry, remember that you are not alone. These emotions are normal and there are ways to deal with them in a healthy way. Seek professional help if you feel like you need it, and take care of yourself.
For more information, please contact MantraCare. Anger is a powerful emotion that is experienced by every individual at some point in their lives. If you have any queries regarding Online Anger Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial Online therapy session