7 Symptoms of Anger Problems – How to Know If You Have a Problem With Anger?
We’ve all heard that anger is a normal part of being human. But, how do we know when anger is no longer normal, and is actually a problem for us? Although, there are many different signs, this article will cover 7 symptoms of anger problems that you can use.
These 7 anger problem symptoms (and this anger management quiz), are by no means, set in stone, but they should at least give you an idea of where you are at this point.
Do you get angry often? Everyone experiences anger from time to time, but getting angry more times than you can count, can be a symptom of an anger problem.
Do you hold on to anger for long periods of time? If so, then you could be causing yourself trouble. Being angry for a small amount of time can be ok – but staying angry for long periods of time, can introduce health problems, or escalate into bigger issues.
There is no set amount of time to be angry, but it’s safe to say that being angry for most of your life, or for years and years can turn into something ugly.
Do you get angry about ‘anything’? We all have our so-called hot buttons. There’s going to be something that can get us angry. Some of us, on the other hand, tend to fly off the handle over any little thing, on a frequent basis. Does that describe you?
Are you allowing your anger to control you? Does everything you do, say, or feel revolve around anger? Going out of your way to avoid getting angry, or constantly being on the lookout for things that can make you angry, gives control to anger – while, at the same time, letting it run your life.
Do you use anger to control others? It should go without saying, that using anger and fear tactics to control someone else is not only hurting you, but those around you. If people are walking on eggshells around you, this could be one of the symptoms of anger problems.
How intense is your anger? If you frequently find yourself getting so angry that your vision starts getting blurred, you get light-headed, or your arms/hands start shaking uncontrollably, you might be looking at a problem with anger.
Are you aggressive when you’re angry? Of course this is not a good sign. This is probably one of the most obvious, yet serious symptoms of anger problems, that are listed here. If you consistently express your anger by getting aggressive – physically or verbally – then seek the help of an anger management professional.
I suffer from all of these symptoms excluding number 5. And number 6 is more severe in my case. My whole body shakes, my jaw locks, and particularly my neck clenches up. I know I am suppose to learn to let go of my anger and realize that it’s irrational, but every time some small thing does not sit well with me, I find myself violently furious. To the point of fantasizing about hurting (and possibly killing) the object of my anger. Thankfully, I have not acted on my thoughts, but I am scared that soon I will physically harm someone and get myself into trouble. Any thoughts or advice is welcome. Thank you.
@Thomas
Hi Thomas, it’s good that you’re acknowledging that you could have a problem with anger. That’s a good first step.
It’s not necessarily about letting go of anger, it’s more about acknowledging it when you’re in the middle of being angry, and then responding to it in a way that’s productive to you and anyone around you.
Here’s a list of things that might help with that on this page.
Obviously you’ve shown that you can respond to anger without acting on it, so you have the ability within you to continue to do that.
You might also get some helpful advice from a professional counselor in your area. If you’re having thoughts of killing someone then a counselor may be a great next step to take, so you can learn more effective ways to reduce your anger.
Remember anger is only an emotion… you get to choose what you say or do, don’t let anger make the choice for you.
Thanks for commenting and good luck!
I find myself getting mad at small things that really don’t make sense to be getting mad about. Does this mean I have anger problems?
Hi Wendy,
The real question is how are you responding to those small things? If you’re reacting in a way that is harmful to you or anyone else, (physically, mentally, or emotionally) then yes, your anger could be getting out of hand.
Keep in mind we all get mad at small things from time to time. Most of the time it can be due to some type of stress that’s building up. Anger and stress are closely related.
If you suspect that’s the case for you, make sure to set aside some time to relax everyday. Do whatever makes you calm and happy. It doesn’t matter if it’s taking a bubble bath, meditating, or just lounging in your backyard – anything that helps you to release the stress and feel good will work. Just make sure to do it everyday, for at least 15 mins.
Hope that helps.
I often get very angry about things that don’t really matter and when this happens i end up saying really hurtful things to my boyfriend if hes theres or i go really cold on him, but i know that it was unreasonable as soon as I’ve done it. It tends to be an absolutely sudden change. Also sometimes when i have these random anger spurts i lash out. If i realize straight after I’ve done these things that i shouldn’t have then does that mean i have an anger problem or not? Ive just always assumed that i’m just naturally kind of aggressive.
My friend has every symptom as far as I can see and others think the same it has grown to.the point where I can not play ps3 with him any more I know him at scjool and he is fine there but when he loses any thing in the game he blames it on someone else in the game and then stays angry at him for a week at the least
I tend to get ticked off and mad over the littlest things, like someone waking me up duing a nap and there goes my day. I become verbally aggressive most of the time ,if people ask why i am mad or upset i tend to get angyer. I get wide range of emotions unable to cop with them,at some points i get light headed, blurrd vison, and arms-hands start shaking uncontrollably although this may not happend at all times. A messy room or not finding something i need at the moment can get me very angery.now im not sure if i have an issue with anger problems i am a teen and some say its taboo . i do not act in such way with friends iv been told im a very nice person and have a beautiful personality but once i enter my house hold every seems to change
I’ve suffered from anger problems since I was 9 years old. It’s ruined my life forever. Whenever I thought people were trying to wind me up, I would just clench my fists in anger and bang on the tables. Even though my anger issues aren’t so severe, I still feel like I’m not worth living. But of course I am. I should be grateful for what my life has in store for me. So to all those people suffering from what I am going through right now: don’t let it control you. Your life is your life and it’s time to start living it. Don’t let this anger ruin that opportunity.
I get angry really fast with littl things, clench my fists ,about to attack someone but i dont .I usally take it out on people at most of the time i wake up im just mad and say rude things not meaning to I start to yell . At school peope make me mad i could be having a good time then they something and my mood just changes. My dad is Biopolar so Im not sure if i have anger problems but ever sence i was little people would tell me i that i have anger problems but ok thanks , Sincerely, Kailie
i hd anger issues since iwas 10 yrs old and have not been to get any help and i want to overcome it
i always direct anger at my mum and make her feel guilty, wronged or whatever (doesnt matter how she feels. she;s unimportant)… she treated me with anger from young so all these issues are brought to my adulthood and i feel that i have the right to belittle, mock and insult her a means of repayment. how can i deal with these issues (provided my mum does not get anything good out of it)?
I have a bad time with my anger. I get furious at the smallest things and have hurled objects at the wall and have chipped the paint and broken the items. In the last 24 hours I have thrown a stapler, a hair brush, a glue stick, a pair of scissors, and a law dictionary at the wall. The stapler and the scissors chipped the paint, the law dictionary left a long scuff mark on the wall, the glue stick left a mess, and the hairbrush broke into 2 pieces. Also in the past I have gotten mad over insignificant things, on one occasion I had a can of Endust in my hand and threw it at the ground, but it hit my sister in the head and she was in pain for a long time. I never intend to hurt people when I get angry, but I do and I’m worried one day that I’ll hurt someone really bad, physically and emotionally. I need help, are the medicinces or ANYTHING that can help. My parents are at their wit’s ends. I NEED HELP.
I alway’s seem to be angry and i get so mad that just before i found this sit i wond up punching a wall like 50 time untill my nuckles started bleeding……i don’t know were else to turn…..any one got sugestions?
I’m only 15 years old & I’ve had to deal with my anger for a long time but it seems to be escalating. I get so angry that I get sick to my stomach & throw up sometimes. I shake & get light headed & I’ve even blacked out before. I have to go to the guidance office at school almost every day to calm down, but that only helps me for a little while. Also, I’ve noticed that lately I’ve been getting angry at insignificant things. Does it seem like I have “anger issues” & if so, what can I do to control them?