Anger is one of the basic human emotions, as elemental as happiness, sadness, anxiety, or disgust. These emotions are tied to basic survival and were honed over the course of human history.

Anger is related to the “fight, flight, or freeze” response of the sympathetic nervous system; it prepares humans to fight. But fighting does not necessarily mean throwing punches. It might motivate communities to combat injustice by changing laws or enforcing new norms.

Of course, anger too easily or frequently mobilized can undermine relationships or damage physical health in the long term. Prolonged release of the stress hormones that accompany anger can destroy neurons in areas of the brain associated with judgment and short-term memory, and weaken the immune system.

For those who struggle with chronic anger, or for those who only experience occasional outbursts, learning skills to identify and navigate this powerful emotion can lead to growth and change.

Everyone knows the feeling of anger. It is that rage that rises when a driver is cut off on the highway or an employee is demeaned by his boss.  People have trouble managing anger and other negative emotions.  However, unleashing anger doesn’t produce the sense of catharsis people crave-it tends to feed on itself instead.  The best path forward may be to understand anger-its roots, its triggers, its consequences-and cultivate the ability to manage it.

Anger, like all emotions, should be monitored with self-awareness.  This can prevent it from spiraling into hostile, aggressive, or violent behavior toward others or oneself.

Support groups for anger management can help people understand anger, identify its triggers, and develop skills to manage their emotions.  In groups or individualized settings, cognitive restructuring can coach patients to reframe unhealthy, inflammatory thoughts.