Written By: Anuradha Varanasi | Updated: May 12, 2017, 4:42 PM
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Anger is one of the most common emotions any individual experiences on a day-to-day life basis. While expressing and eventually controlling your anger is easier said than done, especially because it is a strong and inevitable emotion we are forced to deal with. Here are 10 reasons why you shouldn’t allow excessive anger or rage to take over.
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It causes coronary heart disease: More than 25 studies have proved that anger has caused an increase in the cases of coronary heart diseases (CHD) among both the healthy population and those who were already suffering from CHD [1].
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Emotional stress caused by anger can also slow down the wound healing process – Researchers have found that patients healing from post surgery wounds who also experienced emotional stress had a longer hospital stay as compared to other such patients who were not under stress [2]. The same could apply even for routine cuts or wounds.
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Diabetes – It is estimated that there is a 34% increased risk of developing type 2- diabetes for those who are prone to frequent outburst of anger as compared to those who are not [3].
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It can affect your pulmonary functioning – In a study conducted in 1986 where 670 men were observed over a period of 8.2 years on the amount of anger or hostility they experienced, it was found that anger is associated with poorer pulmonary function and more rapid rates of decline among older men [4].
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High Blood Pressure – Several studies have established that one of the main cause of high blood pressure is the inability to express anger and having few or no stress coping behaviours.[5].
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Skin disorders – One of the main cause for skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, or more specifically, urticaria or skin rashes is due to increased emotional tension, fatigue, and stressful life situations due to an inability to express anger. In fact, this is the primary fact in nearly 20% of such patients and emotional stress caused by anger is a contributory factor in 68% of patients [6].
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Anger is known to cause recurrent headaches as rage induces the coristol hormone in the brain. This hormone can restrict oxygen supply to the brain and develops into a 'tension headache' [7].
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Anger can lead to depression and anxiety – If you’re constantly struggling with a strong and negative emotion like anger, and unable to express yourself in order to move on from the incident(s) that caused it, you are bound to eventually suffer from depression and anxiety due to high stress levels.
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Affects your professional life – An inability to deal with anger and productively use it to move ahead with whatever conflicts might arise at a workplace will only leave one feeling constantly frustrated and dissatisfied. It is only a matter of time before this reflects in one’s work and relationships with colleagues.
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It could damage your relationships – While it is normal to be angry at your loved ones and vent with them, expressing your anger in an unhealthy and overly aggressive manner repeatedly can irreversibly damage relationships, not only with your close friends but also your loved ones who are constantly at the receiving end.
