Chronic Anger

Q: I am experiencing more frequent and worsening bouts of anger. Can this damage my general overall health?

A: Anger, like any emotion, is a natural response to certain stimuli. When it becomes a dominant force in one’s life, however, it can have significantly negative effects on physical and mental health. The physiological and psychological toll of chronic anger can be profound, impacting not only the individual experiencing it but also those around them.

Prolonged anger can negatively affect cardiovascular health. When we experience anger, our bodies release such stress hormones as adrenaline and cortisol, which can elevate blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this chronic activation of the body’s stress response system can lead to hypertension, increased risk of heart disease, and even stroke.

Anger can weaken the immune system.* The constant state of agitation associated with anger can suppress the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Studies have shown that people who struggle with chronic anger are more likely to experience frequent colds, infections, and other health issues.

Mental health is affected by unresolved anger. Chronic anger can contribute to the development of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. The persistent negative thoughts and emotions associated with anger can erode one’s sense of well-being and lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. Anger can strain relationships with friends, family, and colleagues, leading to social isolation and loneliness.

Anger can impair judgment and decision-making abilities. When consumed by anger, individuals may act impulsively and irrationally, leading to consequences they later regret. Both personal and professional relationships may be damaged, perhaps even beyond repair.

Here are four strategies to help overcome anger:

Prayerful Meditation: Meditating on the Word, God’s wonderful creation, and His ways can help individuals become more aware of their emotions and better equipped to manage them. We can learn to recognize anger without being consumed by it, allowing for a more controlled response.

Healthy Expression: Find healthy outlets for expressing anger, such as talking to a trusted friend or therapist, journaling, or doing physical activity to release pent-up energy and tension.

Stress Management: Since anger is closely linked to stress, adopting stress management techniques can be instrumental in reducing its intensity and frequency. This may include such practices as deep breathing exercises or engaging in hobbies and activities that promote relaxation and enjoyment.

Conflict Resolution Skills: Learning effective communication and conflict resolution skills can help prevent anger from escalating into destructive conflicts. By attentively listening to others’ perspectives, individuals can navigate disagreements constructively.

Anger is a natural and inevitable emotion, but its chronic and unmanaged expression can have profound negative effects on both physical and mental health. 

By intentional and focused approaches, and, most important, by God’s grace, individuals can overcome anger and cultivate greater well-being and resilience in their lives. Keep this text in mind: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). 

* Samuel Brod, Lorenza Rattazzi, Giuseppa Piras, and Fulvio D’Acquisto, “ ‘As Above, So Below.’ Examining the Interplay Between Emotion and the Immune System,” Immunology 143, no. 3 (Oct. 2, 2014): 311-318, https://doi.org/10.1111/imm.12341.