Do you find yourself getting angry often? While it’s normal to feel anger from time to time, frequent or uncontrolled anger can take a toll on your physical and mental health.
There are many things that can trigger angry feelings, but some of the most common causes of anger in adults include stress, family problems, medical conditions, and money troubles.
If you’re struggling to control your anger, it’s important to understand the things that may be causing it. By identifying the root cause of your anger, you can start to find ways to better manage it. Here are 5 of the most common causes of anger in adults:
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1. Stress
One of the most common causes of anger is stress. When you’re under a lot of pressure, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and lash out in anger.
It’s normal to feel some stress and anger from time to time. But if these feelings are frequent or strong, they can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Stress and anger often go hand in hand.
Chronic stress can also lead to other mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. This is because chronic stress changes the way your brain processes information and regulates mood. When you’re frequently exposed to stress, your brain becomes more sensitive to it. This makes you more likely to experience anxiety, irritability, and mood swings in response to stressful situations.
There are many different things that can cause stress, such as work deadlines, family problems, or financial troubles. Sometimes, it can be hard to manage all of the demands placed on you. When this happens, there are several things you can do to help. Try exercise, relaxation techniques, or journaling to release some of the tension you’re feeling. You can also talk to a therapist about ways to better manage your stress and anger.
2. Medical conditions
Anger is a normal emotion. It’s a natural response to feeling threatened, frustrated or blocked from reaching a goal. However, when anger becomes out of control or unmanageable, it can lead to problems in relationships, at work, and in other areas of life. Chronic or explosive anger can also be a symptom of an underlying condition.Â
Medical conditions that can cause anger include: thyroid problems, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions. In some cases, medications used to treat medical conditions can also contribute to angry outbursts. For example, it is believed that testosterone makes you angry and can cause irritability and mood swings. Some research even suggests that imbalances in certain brain chemicals may contribute to angry behavior.
While it’s normal to feel angry from time to time, it’s important to find healthy ways to manage your anger. If you’re struggling to deal with your anger in a healthy way, or if your anger is causing problems in your life, talk to your doctor about possible treatment options.
3. Family problems
Family problems are another common cause of anger in adults. Whether it’s arguments with your spouse or children who won’t listen, family conflict can be frustrating and overwhelming. In some cases, unresolved childhood issues can also contribute to anger in adulthood.
For example, if you grew up in a household where there was a lot of yelling and fighting, you may be more prone to anger as an adult. Or, if you witnessed violence between your parents, you may have a hard time managing your own anger.
Of course, not all families are perfect, and disagreements are natural. But if you find yourself constantly angry or unable to control your anger, it may be worth exploring whether your family life is a contributing factor. Talking to a therapist or counselor can help you identify and address any underlying issues.
4. Relationship problems
Relationship problems are another common cause of anger. Whether it’s a romantic relationship, friendship, or family relationship, conflict and frustration can lead to anger. In some cases, unresolved issues from previous relationships can also contribute to anger in current relationships.
For example, if you’ve been hurt or betrayed in the past, you may have a hard time trusting people. This can make it difficult to form and maintain healthy relationships. And, if you’re constantly feeling on edge or like you’re walking on eggshells, your anger may eventually boil over.
Of course, all relationships require work, and it’s normal to feel angry from time to time. But if you find yourself constantly angry or unable to control your anger, it may be worth exploring whether your relationship is a contributing factor. Talking to a therapist or counselor can help you identify and address any underlying issues.
5. Job-related stress
Job-related stress is another common cause of anger. Whether it’s a demanding job, difficult co-workers, or the fear of losing your job, work-related stress can be overwhelming and lead to angry outbursts. In some cases, job-related stress can also contribute to health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
If you’re struggling to deal with job-related stress, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor. They can help you learn how to better manage your stress and cope with work-related challenges. You may also want to talk to your boss or human resources department about ways to reduce stress at work.
