I was talking with several clients this week about anger, the kind of anger that bubbles up in exaggerated ways for reasons incongruent with the current situation. You all have experienced this - getting really "pissed off" over stupid stuff, little stuff, unimportant stuff.
This is old anger. It comes from unresolved issues we never fully acknowledged or expressed. This anger from the past trickles out from time to time to cause bursts of frustration, irritability and even rage. The more intense the angry feelings the bigger the "old anger".
What's the solution?
Recognize you are really not mad at the current stressor and let it pass.
When you recognize certain issues from the past that still bother you, talk to someone, write about it or express it creatively. It needs to be acknowledged to be released. If you just distract yourself it never goes away.
Allow yourself to fully experience difficult situations when they occur. Try to deal with the feelings in the present so you don't have to express them someday in the future. Use your supports, your therapist, journaling, the creative arts or your spiritual practices to express the frustration and let it go.
This is Stress Awareness Month and Anger Awareness is part of this. Good luck!
Wishing you well,
Marilyn
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