Sam has had enough with today. He woke up late despite setting two different alarms. Traffic was awful, and more than one person cut him off. He responded to each with a few angry punches on his horn. Now he’s sprinting into work, juggling a coffee and papers for his meeting. He’s hoping to make a pitstop at his desk before heading to the meeting, but as he nears his goal, his cubicle neighbors step out, right into Sam and his hot coffee. Coffee spills everywhere, including on his papers for his meeting. Red blurs his vision. That was the last straw. He throws his papers on the ground, and when he opens his mouth to rebuke his coworker, it comes out as a yell.
***
Sam’s morning was obviously very frustrating. Being a little grumpy is entirely understandable! But what Sam experienced was more than just a little frustration. Anger can escalate quickly, and when it does, it can have widespread effects. It’s not easy controlling anger, especially when it feels so good to give into the heated demands. With the right support though, it is possible.
Thriveworks Anger Management Woodstock understands the temporary freedom of responding to frustrating events with fire. It can feel even better to get to the root of anger and control it. You deserve a happy, fulfilling life, and Thriveworks Woodstock is excited to help you get there!
What’s the Deal with Anger?
Anger has its place in our life and is as natural as joy or fear. It’s when it becomes uncontrolled that it can wreak havoc in our physical, emotional, and social life.
The physical effects of anger are rarely recognized but can be as harmful as the emotional and social sides. Some physical side effects include:
- Increased blood pressure
- Liver and kidney damage
- High cholesterol
- Increased risk of coronary artery disease
- Increased risk of a heart attack
How can an emotion affect our body? The key is in hormones. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are activated by anger. Both stress hormones are vital for our lives, as is anger. But sustained, high doses of these things can break down the body and mind.
Short-term, anger can destroy as well. Researchers have linked anger with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It can strain all types of relationships, from the likelihood of you getting that promotion to the success of your love life. So how can we overcome anger? When everything in us is screaming to yell, punch, and get angry, how can we remain calm?
It’s not easy, but with professionals guiding you at every turn, it is possible. Thriveworks Anger Management Woodstock stresses that struggling with anger does not mean you are a “bad” person or lack self-control! Your worth is defined by so much more than how you handle anger. Going to Anger Management Counseling just means you’re looking for a few more coping mechanisms, something Thriveworks Woodstock is exactly ready and happy to give.
Do I Need Anger Management Counseling?
Anger can be so detrimental because it can spread like wildfire throughout your life. If you think even one aspect of your life could be improved by talking to a professional anger management counselor, it is worth a call!
Of course, our Thriveworks Woodstock counselors understands how much courage reaching out takes. It’s not always a straightforward decision, so here are some signs that might point towards asking for help:
- People are avoiding you
- You’ve lost relationships
- People are afraid of talking with you
- Your health is suffering
- You are feeling depressed and/or anxious
- You feel out of control when angry
- You say and do things that you regret later
It doesn’t always feel like it, but you are in control of how you respond to your emotions and environment. With a little guidance and practice, that freedom can be yours.
What Does Anger Management Counseling Look Like?
At Thriveworks Woodstock, we believe in a client-centered practice. Big words aside, it means you’re the center of every session. We address your goals and your hesitancies. Our jobs are to walk beside you and offer some great tools along the way. Some of those tools that we might practice are:
- Strategies for relaxation
- How to alter how you think
- How to change your surroundings
- Different and more efficient communication
- Problem solving current issues
- Ways to repair and strengthen relationships
Anger does not define who you are. Usually, just one or two coping methods are what’s needed to start feeling better than ever.
Thriveworks Woodstock believes you deserve to live the happy, fulfilling life you’ve dreamed about. Sometimes, life throws us punches that we have to learn how to cope with. We are a judgment free space to come practice the best, personal strategies to do so. We are excited to start that journey with you!
