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The Commonly Overlooked Causes of Anger

Anger is often dismissed and overlooked as a negative character trait, which can cause more harm than good. Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. However, when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems, such as contention at work, and strain on your personal relationships. Anger does not necessarily always stem from commonly discussed issues, and the root of this emotion can often be much more complex if you do not have a mental health diagnosis that anger is commonly found in.

It is important to note that there is a low frustration tolerance in ADHD and autism. Anger may also be present in mania and psychosis, and even those with PTSD. Irritability is one of the lesser discussed symptoms of both anxiety and depression. However, if you just feel excessively frustrated for seemingly no reason, this could lead to a decline in self worth and blaming yourself for your feelings. You are not alone, and there are many explanations for these tendencies. In an article provided by Psychology Today by Anthony D. Smith, the often overlooked causes of anger are presented.

In some career fields, productivity is valued over everything else. Constant working can lead to individuals prioritizing tasks over necessary functions, such as eating and getting adequate sleep. Daytime food deprivation has proven to be important when tackling the issue of irritability with seemingly no root. Humans need a certain amount of glucose to function optimally, especially during long work days. If your glucose drops below a particular threshold, our bodies will release hormones that increase glucose in your bloodstream. Two of these hormones are adrenaline and cortisol, which can both cause your temper to swell. 

Have you ever experienced feeling outright irate at the sound of someone chewing gum or slurping their food? This might mean that you have something called misophonia, and it is likely a cause of unfounded irritation in your daily life. Roughly translated, misophonia is "hate of sound." Those who suffer from this might have triggers caused by a range of sounds, such as yawns, plastic crinkling, or the hum of fluorescent lights. This term might be new to some, but there is evidence that it is experienced, to some degree, by up to twenty percent of the population. Growing awareness has allowed for more of a discussion around misophonia, which is extremely helpful for managing anger and being aware of where the feeling might be coming from.

Struggling with anger management is complex, but there are many ways to help. Seeking help from a therapist can be beneficial, and will help you identify the root of these intense emotions. Practice self care regularly, and recognize when you need a break. There is no shame in asking for help, and you should not feel embarrassed of it. It is important to take proper care of anger by discovering the reason you may be experiencing it.