Sharing some words from a recent Mental Health America newsletter we thought would also benefit our audience.
Let’s talk about anger and how we process it.
Some of us might not be angry. Some of us might not even be at a point to remotely deal with anger. We get that.
Anger is:
Normal.
Neutral; not good or bad.
A messenger: anger tells us that a situation is upsetting, unjust, or threatening.
A secondary emotion: chances are there are other primary vulnerable feelings underneath our anger (see iceberg worksheet link below).
Anger can get you stuck in your grief. Our culture is not comfortable with anger and often suppresses it. When what it is your anger is trying to tell you, never had a chance to be conveyed.... an explosive, unhealthy reaction can occur.
Rage and violence are never condoned as a way to process anger.
One productive way to work through some anger can be going to a "smash room", a safe place, to redirect and work with our anger.
And, there’s one right here in South Florida: Wreck It Fort Laudy. If you choose to check it out and want to work through some anger, ask yourself the following questions.
Face it.
What are you angry about?, Where does your anger stem from?, What does your anger look like? I am angry because I think I could've/should've? I am angry because I think (someone) could've/should've?
Name it.
What is underneath my anger? What words more specifically define my anger?
Feel it.
What does my anger feel like? Where do I feel anger in my body? Locate it, imagine it, and feel it move out of your mind-body connection.
Nurture it.
Give yourself permission to work through your anger. Listen to it. Practice grounding exercises and other coping skills. Grow with it.
You can also check out these resources to help you better identify and define your anger, a step towards working through it in a healthier way.
If you or anyone you know is feeling angry, sad, lost or in need of help, please don’t hesitate to contact us.