Anger is a natural emotional response towards something that a person feels has been deliberately done wrong. It’s a feeling that everyone has shared at one point or another in their lives in many different situations.
People often tend to see anger as something “wrong” because of the negative feelings and actions associated with it. In some cases, anger can lead to physical or emotional hurt, with relationships being strained in the process.
However, anger is a more complex emotion than what many might see at a glance. It might sound absurd to say that anger isn’t always a bad thing, but anger can be used in positive and healthy ways.
When Anger Turns to Rage
While anger isn’t always bad, it isn’t always good, either. Anger can be an appropriate response for many occasions. However, anger does have a downside.
An unhealthy form of anger is known as rage. Rage often results in violent responses and can cause individuals to put forth their “ugly side.” Recognizing the differences between anger and rage can help individuals move forward in their lives towards the process of healing.
The Difference Between Anger and Rage
Learning the differences between anger and rage can help individuals understand the healthy aspects of anger. Anger is an intense emotion that can be induced by pain, fear, stress, and frustration. Feeling anger can lead to someone expressing their negative feelings about a difficult situation.
On the other hand, rage occurs when that anger goes to a volatile extreme, which is defined as violent and uncontrollable. It’s an increased, hostile reaction to injustice or injury that is sudden and not warranted. In some cases, rage can stem from substance abuse and mental health disorders.
The difference between rage and anger can be seen in the level of intensity and control, how someone reacts to the problem and the origins of this emotion.
How Can Anger Be Good?
Expressing anger can be healthy and appropriate in times where it’s warranted. It can also be constructive when speaking out to protect others or oneself against any injustices or physical or emotional harm.
It is natural to feel a certain intensity against something one feels is unjust, incorrect, or done to someone’s persona. It can be healthier to express this feeling about a specific situation rather than having it bottled up. Bottled-up emotions can consume an individual.
In some cases, it may be better to say nothing. However, in others, it can be better to speak up instead of living with the question, “What if?” The purpose of healthy anger is to help individuals express frustrations or simply speak their minds about something uncomfortable.
The feeling of anger is a natural part of every human’s emotions, and sometimes it’s impossible to avoid feeling it. However, it is essential to learn to express anger in a way that doesn’t offend or hurt others. Healthy anger allows individuals to let others know how they feel.
When anger isn’t controlled, it can consume daily life. On the other hand, learning to express anger in a healthy manner can help individuals avoid life disruptions. Anger is a feeling that individuals must learn to control, no matter how intense it can be.
The Unhealthy Response of Rage
Acknowledging the dangers of rage can encourage individuals to seek help for their anger before they lose control or hurt themselves or others. Violence can be an automatic response to any situation that infuriates an individual and can cause serious physical or emotional injuries that could be irreversible.
Rage can strain relationships and cause others to fear the individual experiencing this strong emotion. At this stage, the reaction of rage can be so sudden that individuals blow situations out of proportion. As a result, they can misinterpret things and decide to react harshly.
If an individual is struggling with issues relating to rage, it’s essential to find the root of the problem. Discovering what causes this intense feeling within a person can help them reduce the intensity of their rage. Whether rage is connected to addiction, trauma, or mental health disorder, there are therapeutic methods available to help the healing process.
Managing Anger for a Stable Lifestyle
Anger shouldn’t always be seen as something negative. It can help individuals speak their minds and stand up for themselves. However, when anger is not under control and turns to rage, it can be harmful.
One way to keep anger under control is not to take everything personally; people must find a way not to get caught up in what is being said. Individuals must learn to pick and choose moments when to express frustration.
No matter how difficult the situation can be, it is crucial to find ways to ease the tension. Individuals can find opportunities to healthily release anger instead of letting it explode.
Embrace the feeling of anger, but do not let it overtake daily life.
Anger is an intense emotion that can be from stress, frustration, or pain. It’s an emotion that is complex and has more meaning than what is regularly known. Although it is often seen as a negative emotion, anger can also have a healthy and positive function. It is good to release the frustrations and discomfort to be had against injustice or pain caused by someone or something. However, to express anger in a healthy way, individuals must learn how to control it. Otherwise, they run the risk of anger turning to rage, which can become volatile. At Sabino Recovery, we can help you learn to express your anger in a healthy manner. Through various therapies, we are here to help our residents heal from trauma and trauma-induced symptoms. To learn more about our program and how we can help you or a loved one, call us today at (844) 227-7014.
