Myths and Facts About Anger

Although anger is one of the most common emotions that people have, it is the least understood. These phrases are probably familiar to you:

"If someone hits you, hit 'em back."
"Turn the other cheek."
"Don't get angry; get even."

Have you noticed how they contradict each other? That's because anger is a very complex emotion. Attempts to simplify it result in the following MISPERCEPTIONS:

1. That all anger is unhealthy or destructive
2. That anger is an all-or-nothing phenomenon
3. If you don't let your anger out, it builds up and explodes out
4. That angry people yell and scream a lot
5. That anger management means keeping your mouth shut

Here are the facts:

1. Not All Anger is Unhealthy or Destructive

Sometimes anger is definitely justified. For example, if you have been betrayed by a friend, or if you have been physically attacked by someone, or if there is a major social injustice -- these are all times where anger is appropriate. Biologically speaking, anger gets your adrenalin going, and spurs you into action.

On the other hand, the hissy fits that people throw over minor irritations are both unhealthy and destructive. Anger has serious implications for your health. Research shows that among all the risk factors for heart disease, chronic anger is the most significant predictor -- more than smoking, obesity and high blood pressure. Temper tantrums and other fits of anger are rarely useful. In fact, they erode not only people's respect for you, but also your own self-respect.

2.