Anger is a normal, basic human emotion, and essential for our very survival. Humans are born with a fighting instinct, which often kicks in when we experience anger. Anger helps us to express strong feelings, cope with situations, and protect our interests, if expressed appropriately. However, if expressed in an unhealthy manner, it can lead to interpersonal and health-related problems and can adversely affect the quality of life.

Anger swings into motion various psychological and physical responses. It is experienced at three levels- emotional (feelings), cognitive (thoughts), and physiological (physical) changes. At an emotional level, it is experienced as a strong feeling of displeasure, annoyance or hostility. At a cognitive level, anger can be a result of distorted thinking and can also further distort thinking.

Biologically, anger originates due to your prefrontal cortex which is responsible for judgement being overpowered by a part of your brain called the amygdale, leading to an impairment in judgement and ultimately angry outbursts. This complex process can often result in heightened energy levels, palpitations, increased rate of breathing, increased blood pressure, headaches and fatigue.

Aggression is the acting out of the anger with behaviour that can potentially cause harm to oneself or others. There is a popular notion that letting out anger will make one feel better. In fact, all it does is the opposite; it escalates rage and makes matters worse. The best way to deal with one’s anger is to express it in a positive and healthy manner.

When directed outwards, anger causes tangible destruction. But Anger directed at oneself is unhealthy too and often manifests as passive aggressive behaviour: giving someone the silent treatment, avoiding communication, becoming cynical and argumentative, resorting to playing the victim and several other defensive tactics. This unexpressed or ‘mal-expressed anger can cause further health problems.

According to several studies medical complications of anger which is not managed correctly, including suppressed anger, include high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, road accidents, public violence and other health related issues such as headaches, eczema and insomnia.

Assertiveness training is an enormously useful strategy for anger management. One has to recognize the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness. Assertive people communicate clearly and rationally, their thought process is more streamlined and logical, they are better at socializing and have excellent communication skills. Aggressive individuals on the other hand may not be effective in conveying their ideas because they are easily provoked and may act in a hostile manner.