Why is it important to process anger? How could someone go about doing that?
Anger is usually just the tip of the emotional iceberg (possible picture here?). Sometimes what is masked by anger can be deep sadness, frustration, loneliness. It is perfectly OK and natural to experience all of them, but sometimes, we feel like it might just be too much to sit with the sadness, for example, to let it all in, and instead – we become angry. Anger is easier, it is right there on the surface. Easily accessible.
How can one express and process it in a healthy way? There can be many different ways and most importantly – it is OK to explore them. For example, sports are always a good way to release negative emotions, boxing, martial arts, running, axe throwing or even darts, bowling and even swimming sometimes, depending on your personal preferences and experience. I, for one, enjoy dancing and when I am angry it turns into more of kicking and screaming to the music that is playing, but I have learned to embrace making it my own process and not judging it.
Another healthy way to process some of your anger can be writing about it. You can scream BOOORING at me right now, and you would be right. But hey, to each their own, right? For example, you can write something in aggressive font, huge letters, cross it all out, burn it, scrunch it, tear it up...
For some of us it is painfully obvious when we are angry – our face gets red, our muscles tense, heart starts racing – in essence, we have a very physical response to anger. However, it might not always be this obvious. Some may experience moodiness and frustration, they may get quiet and unresponsive, shut off, stop communicating. Sometimes, we may not even know exactly what’s wrong, we just feel “off” somehow. All of it is OK. As long as you accept it without judgment. I know, easier said than done, right? But it is important that we try.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the land on which it operates. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and value the rich history, unbroken culture and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the land on which it operates. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and value the rich history, unbroken culture and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.