Everyone gets mad
One of many gender-based stereotypes is this: men are angry, and women aren’t, and this could not be further from the truth. Every human being can express anger, and it’s not gender-dependent. The idea that only men get mad is preposterous, and there’s empirical evidence that this concept is false. Signs, when someone is angry, include the following: raising their voice, muscle tension, change in facial expressions, and in severe cases outward displays of physical violence. We’ve seen all human beings display anger in one of these ways. Men aren’t the only ones that get mad, yet this stereotype continues to arise. In reality, people of any/all genders experience anger issues. We need to move past this societal lie and address the fact that women get angry, too.
This stereotype hurts all of us
Men are often seen as the “angry” sex. When we view men as unable to express other emotions, it stagnates them and can stifle their ability to express other emotions that they’re feeling such as sadness or fear. Women experience a different challenge when it comes to anger. As a woman with anger management issues, you may find that society is less likely to recognize when you’re angry. Your outbursts are ignored and written off as “hormonal,” or “dramatic” which is an incredibly invalidating and frustrating result of societal assumptions regarding women and their limited range of emotions. Society dictates that women are histrionic or “crazy” when they show anger. If you are a woman reading this: do not let this stereotype get in the way of reaching out for help. You’re not crazy, you’re not dramatic, you are angry, and it’s okay to admit that.
Anger vs. anger issues
You might feel anger as an emotion, and that is normal; we all feel angry sometimes because it’s a part of the human experience. While anger a healthy feeling to get in touch with, there’s a balance. When your anger is out of control, it requires the attention of a mental health professional. Excessive anger can affect many (if not all) areas of your life, ranging from employment to relationships. Anger can even negatively impact your physical health! If you don’t manage your angry feelings, you could develop high blood pressure or be at further risk for heart disease. Anger management therapy can help you gain control over your issues. Counseling will help you improve self-awareness, you’ll start to recognize what triggers your anger and how to control it best. Therapy will help address the root of your excessive anger. Through treatment, you’ll find skills and anger management strategies that work for you.
Don’t feel ashamed of your anger
Anger issues don’t make you a “bad person,” and you don’t have to feel embarrassed or ashamed of your anger. Excessive anger, like all mental health issues, deserves compassion, treatment, and care. Use self-compassionate and understanding when addressing your anger problems. If you’ve been experiencing rage that disrupts your interpersonal relationships and overall quality of life for a while, you might feel hopeless, but you can get better. That’s where anger management therapy comes in. You can find a therapist in your area who can help you with anger issues or work with an online counselor trained in anger management. These are the professionals you need to talk to who will help you figure out how to control your temper and live your best life.
No excuses
Anger issues hurt you and those around you. We need to recognize that all genders experience anger. Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t have a right to be angry. However, there’s a difference between angry and out of control. You can face your problems and receive the help that you need in therapy. In a world where gender stereotypes are prominent, it can be difficult to see past them. All genders experiencing anger issues can improve their lives dramatically by working through their emotions. Do not let shame hinder you from living a better life. We live in a time and age where there are more ways to get help than ever before. Find a mental health professional who can help you get better. That person is out there waiting to support you on your wellness journey.
This is a featured post by site sponsor Better Help.
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