We can unanimously agree that we all want to be happy. That’s what we strive for in life – making ourselves and others happy. No one likes being angry, infact we try to avoid getting upset or making others angry. What if anger turned out to be a good thing, would you believe it? Really, can anger be good? Yes it can! And here’s how:

 

  1. Anger shows us our needs and limits – When things make us happy, it’s easy to learn what makes us feel good. But how do we know what makes us feel not so good? Anger is that alert. Anger tells us what sets us on fire and gets us worked up. It also lets us know when we’re spreading ourselves too thin or how much overwhelms us. It can show us how much we can handle.

 

  1. Anger helps us to set our boundaries – We’ve talked about the importance of setting personal boundaries. Anger helps us to identify where we draw those boundaries. If you get anxious to see your parents because you know they’re going to ask when you’re getting married or if you’re going to get a better job, that’s anger signalling something to us. It’s telling you it’s time to talk with your parents and draw a line, asking them to please not ask those questions anymore.

 

  1. Anger can turn into motivation – Does it make you angry when your boss doesn’t appreciate your hard work? Or maybe you didn’t perform your best in that game? That anger can be turned into motivation that can propel towards a greater reward. If inequality or gender wage gap upsets you, turn that anger into motivation to get involved in politics or your community.

 

  1. Anger can strengthen our relationships (believe it or not) – This might come as a shocker to some people because no one likes being angry at their partner or their partner being angry with them. Here’s how it’s helpful to us; in conflicts and disagreements, we learn more about our partners (they’re needs, boundaries, desires). When we learn those things and agree to have an equally respectful relationship, we’re able to compromise and grow together, seeing things from the other’s perspective.

 

When we’re avoiding anger or being afraid of someone else being angry, sometimes this commits us to inaction. Anger helps us to broaden our perspectives and grow. Of course, we need to remember there’s healthy anger and unhealthy anger. We aren’t encouraging rage. Let your emotions and the emotions of others speak.

If you’re struggling with controlling your anger in a healthy way or struggling handling someone else’s anger, please contact Crownview Medical Group and get in touch with a medical professional who can guide you.

 

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mindful-anger/201606/is-emotional-discomfort-good-you