“He grits his teeth and moves forward. He doesn't know any other way. No one has taught him nothing'. He's on a continuous countdown clock with confronting his chaotic past and this time his ghosts have met him in his nightmares.”― Locke Wood, Sunflowers & Scorched Earth: The History of American Vigilante Expression and The Found Works of B.L. Ashburn.
The energy of anger has been felt by all of us at some time or other. Maybe it shows up when are boss didn’t praise our work despite pulling an all nighter, a angry outburst when cut off by a driver in a busy road, the family fight which left us enraged , belittled and slighted , or just a child crying continuously on a long haul flight. Anger can show up in phases from annoyance, frustration, hostility to enragement.
In terms of neurobiology, the first spark of anger activates the amygdala before we are even aware of it . This activates in succession the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands to secrete hormones cortisol, adrenalin responsible for our flight or fight response Neurotransmitters known as catecholamines are released, giving the person a burst of energy that can last up to several minutes: hence, our desire to take that protective action right now.
Our body follows and our jaws can tense, our larynx swollen up voice deepens or becomes shriller, stomach releases acid, heart races, shoulder tense, we speak rapidly, our breathing gets heavy, and we sweat or feel hot.
Any anger is triggered by thoughts, feelings, physiological states and external events . The experience of anger can be learned from the families of origin or from other environmental influences . The inner experience gives rise to interpretation and our reaction to those interpretations.
There are four basic ways in which people respond to anger: At times, the anger is externalized, "turned loose" on someone else, it can be Passive/Aggressive which means the person is outwardly agreeable, but showing the anger through indirect actions or sabotage or can be passive internalized and locked up . It can also be in the form of Assertive Anger which is positive and appropriately managed .
In most cases the reaction to anger comes from the feeling of not being treated in a fair manner, victimized, vulnerable and personalization of events based on our inner experience and coping skills determines how it shows up in the external world. When anger happens, we experience the event as unjust. Often it makes us feel threatened, sidelined, victimized or even helpless .
The positive dimension of anger is that it can be a great motivator. It forces us to act and change. Asserting yourself can also help in establishing boundaries and protecting yourself. It is a release and can be cathartic.
Art therapy can be a valuable tool in managing anger. Here's how art therapy can be used in anger management:
Expression: Art allows individuals to express their emotions in a safe and non-destructive manner. Through painting, drawing, sculpting, or other forms of art, individuals can externalize their anger and explore its root causes.
Self-awareness: Engaging in art therapy encourages self-reflection and self-awareness. By creating art, individuals can gain insight into their emotions, triggers, and patterns of anger, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves.
Emotional regulation: Art therapy teaches individuals techniques to manage their emotions effectively.
Communication: For some people, verbal expression of emotions can be challenging. Art therapy provides an alternative means of communication, allowing individuals to convey their feelings visually. This can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle to articulate their emotions verbally.
Catharsis: Creating art can be cathartic, providing a release for pent-up emotions. Engaging in the creative process can help individuals release anger in a healthy way, reducing the likelihood of it manifesting as aggressive behavior.
Problem-solving: Art therapy encourages individuals to explore different perspectives and solutions. By visually representing their anger and its triggers, individuals can brainstorm alternative ways of responding to situations that provoke anger, fostering problem-solving skills.
Empowerment: Completing art projects can instill a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. As individuals see tangible evidence of their progress and growth through their artwork, they may feel more capable of managing their anger and overcoming challenges.
If you want help dealing with your anger do reach out for consultation. Discover your inner peace and leave the negativity behind
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