Article by Anna Keyter | Photo by Temur Weber

What is Anger?

Anger is a powerful emotion characterised by feelings of displeasure, frustration, or hostility. Tolerance could also be affected by low mood and tiredness. Unlike animal instincts, human anger is complex, often tied to personal experiences, interpretations, and self-directed thoughts. It can stem from events like conflicts, perceived injustices, or personal challenges such as grief. How we perceive and respond to these triggers shapes our emotional and behavioural outcomes (Bartholomew & Simpson, 2005).

Online Anger Management

At Best Online Therapy, our online anger management counsellors can help you understand and control anger through professional counselling tailored to your needs.

The Iceberg Model of Emotions

To understand anger, we can use the Iceberg model of Emotions, which separates emotions into primary and secondary categories. This model reveals the hidden drivers behind anger, helping you address its root causes.

Primary vs. Secondary Emotions

• Primary Emotions: These are the deeper, often concealed emotions beneath anger, forming the “invisible” part of the iceberg. Examples include fear, vulnerability, or sadness—emotions you might hide to avoid appearing weak. For instance, fear of rejection or hurt may fuel anger but remain unexpressed (Segal & Smith, 2018).
• Secondary Emotions: These are the visible emotions, the “tip” of the iceberg, shown to others. Anger often manifests as shouting, irritability, or resentment, masking the primary emotions underneath.

By exploring these layers through online anger management therapy, you can uncover the true causes of your anger and develop healthier ways to cope.

What Triggers Anger?

Anger can be sparked by a variety of situations, from minor irritations to significant life events. Common triggers include:

• Personal Conflicts: Arguments with a partner, family member, or colleague can ignite anger.
• Perceived Injustice: Experiencing or witnessing unfair treatment, such as discrimination or disrespect.
• Environmental Stressors: Traffic jams, noisy surroundings, or crowded spaces, common in UK cities like London or Manchester.
• Health Challenges: Chronic pain, fatigue, or mental health issues like anxiety can amplify anger.
• Personal Struggles: Financial difficulties, work pressures, or feeling unappreciated can contribute (Segal & Smith, 2018; Bartholomew & Simpson, 2005).

For example, consider a professional in a high-pressure UK workplace. Their primary emotions might include fear of failure or insecurity about their performance. These hidden feelings manifest as anger, shown through snapping at colleagues or frustration during meetings. Online anger management can help identify these triggers and provide tools to respond calmly.

The Impact of Anger

Unmanaged anger can harm your relationships, health, and well-being. Its effects include:

• Physical Symptoms: Increased heart rate, muscle tension, or headaches.
• Mental Health Issues: Heightened anxiety, depression, or difficulty focusing.
• Relationship Strain: Outbursts can damage trust with family, friends, or colleagues.

In the UK, anger-related issues are significant, with a 2023 study by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy noting that 68% of UK adults reported struggling with anger at least occasionally. Online anger management offers a proactive way to address these challenges before they escalate.

How Attitudes Contribute to Anger

Certain mindsets can intensify anger, especially when they conflict with reality. These include:

• Entitlement Beliefs: Expecting life to always be fair or predictable, which clashes with real-world complexities.
• Rigid Thinking: Holding inflexible views, such as “people must always respect me.”
• Idealistic Expectations: Believing everyone should act honestly or justly, leading to frustration when they don’t (Segal & Smith, 2018; Bartholomew & Simpson, 2005).

For instance, a UK commuter stuck in traffic might feel entitled to a smooth journey, triggering anger when delays occur. Online anger management can help reframe these attitudes, fostering resilience and emotional control.

Strategies for Online Anger Management

Effective anger management involves recognising warning signs and adopting practical techniques. Here are evidence-based strategies to help you stay calm:

1. Recognise Anger Warning Signs:
   • Physical: Clenched fists, racing heart, or tight jaw.
   • Mental: Racing thoughts, feeling overwhelmed, or irritability.
   • Behavioural: Raising your voice, withdrawing, or using aggressive gestures. Identifying these early allows you to intervene before anger escalates.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing or meditation, can calm your mind. Try this: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6. UK-based apps like Calm or local mindfulness classes can support this practice.
3. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps reframe thoughts that fuel anger. For example, changing “They disrespected me” to “I can handle this calmly” reduces emotional intensity. Our online therapists at Best Online Therapy specialise in CBT for anger management.
4. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT focuses on accepting anger as a natural emotion while aligning actions with your values. It’s ideal for long-term emotional control.
5. Self-Soothing Techniques: Engage in calming activities like taking a warm bath with essential oils, listening to soothing music, or walking in a UK park like the Lake District. These help lower tension.
6. Effective Communication: Express feelings calmly instead of reacting impulsively. For example, instead of shouting, say, “I’m upset about this—can we discuss it?” This prevents conflicts from escalating.
7. Take a Time-Out: Step away from triggering situations to cool down. Count to 10 or distract yourself with a task like reading.
8. Use Humour: Lighten the mood with humour, like watching a UK comedy show such as Fawlty Towers. Laughter can diffuse anger quickly.
9. Reflect and Reward: After managing anger successfully, reflect on what worked and reward yourself, perhaps with a treat like a coffee at a local UK café.

Online Anger Management with Best Online Therapy

Chronic anger and unresolved frustration can contribute to increased stress levels and, over time, may lead to burnout, as emotional exhaustion depletes your ability to cope effectively. Online anger management offers a convenient, effective way to take control of your emotions from anywhere in the UK. Those on the receiving end can experience trauma. At Best Online Therapy, our licensed therapists provide personalised support through secure video sessions, tailored to your schedule. Whether you’re dealing with workplace conflicts, family tensions, or personal frustrations, we can help you:

• Identify anger triggers and underlying emotions.
• Learn CBT, ACT, or mindfulness techniques.
• Develop a personalised anger management plan.

Our platform complies with GDPR and UK therapy regulations, ensuring your privacy. To start your journey to calmer emotions, contact us today. We work with individuals and couples.

FAQ: Online Anger Management

Q: Is online anger management effective?
A: Yes, research shows online counselling, particularly CBT, is highly effective for managing anger (NHS, 2023).

Q: When should I seek help for anger?
A: If anger affects your relationships, work, or health, online counselling can provide tools to regain control.

Q: Can I access online anger management across the UK?
A: Absolutely! Our services are available nationwide, from Birmingham to Belfast, via secure video platforms.

Reference

Bartholomew, N. G. & Simpson, D. D. (2005). Understanding and reducing angel feelings. Texas: Texas Institute of Behavioral Research.

Segal, J. & Smith, M. (2018). Anger Management. Available at: https://www.helpguide.org. Access 29 March 2021.