The continuous flood of stress chemicals that results from repeated anger that is not managed can ultimately cause impairment to various systems within the body - especially the brain. Some of the short and long term health risks that have been associated with anger that is appropriately dealt with include:
- Headaches
- Depressed immune functioning
- Digestion issues
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Skin conditions (acne or eczema)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
In a 1995 article from the American Journal of Cardiology entitled "Prognostic implications of stress-induced silent left ventricular dysfunction in patients with stable angina pectoris" the authors (D. Jain, M. Burg & BL Zaret) state:
"Anger is the effective state most commonly associated with myocardial ischemia and life-threatening arrhythmias. The scope of the problem is sizable-at least 36,000 heart attacks are precipitated annually in the United States by anger"
And according to the chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Neurology at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Leo Maddow:
"Someone who stays angry long after the particular incident that caused the anger may be committing slow suicide."
Source: http://www.aetw.org/reiki_gokai.htm (James Deacon, 2005)
The goal is to manage anger in a constructive way that leads to the resolution of the presenting issue. Repression or explosive episodes of anger will not help you in the long run and they are enormous energy drainers. Your best bet is to uncover your triggers, assess their worthiness, modify your thought patterns about the trigger, and choose effective anger management in response to those things that warrant this feeling. You might also consider developing healthy ways to get your body to release an angry state such as relaxation, listening to your favorite tunes, or exercise.
Anger is particularly a hard emotion for women to manage. Not only do we have to deal with the societal expectations related to anger, but we also face challenges on a biological level. The book, Women's Mood: What Every Woman Must Know About Hormones, the Brain, and Emotional Health states that "your brain is the cornerstone of your emotional health". So even the best of efforts can be undermined by the ways in which our physical bodies differ from men. Our brain plays a significant role in the way you relate to and respond to the many facets of your world. An inability to manage your anger could actually be a signal that your brain is out of sync and quite likely overwhelmed.
I believe that there are six (6) important components that support the healthy mind: Biological, psychological, social, physical, spiritual, and mental. Paying attention to and implementing simple practices in these areas can contribute to the way that you experience life and the way that you contribute to all areas. Your highest potential is more readily accessed when your mind is at its best.
Affirmation: I am committed to the best possible life that I am capable of living. I am nurturing my mind. My emotions are an expression of what lies within.
Carol, a trained Coach and Registered Social Worker, has worked for 17 years in a number of different capacities, counseling and inspiring a diverse scope of individuals. Her present programs, she says, "Encourages people to strengthen their minds while moving beyond the internal and external expectations and limitations that often shapes experiences in the course of one's life." Carol believes that prosperity begins with a state of mind and that inner wealth is often the basis for all other possible forms of wealth.
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