Hello to all of you again. Today, I would like to tell you about a complaint that I hear very often in sessions. In general, I have heard the following statement from almost many of my clients; "Teacher, I have no tolerance for events, I get angry immediately, how can I overcome this anger?" What is anger? Let's look together at the answers to questions such as how we can control it, whether it is better to have it or not to have it.
ANGER, like all other emotions, is a constructive emotion when expressed in a natural, universal and healthy way and regulates interpersonal communication. ..The reactions we give to anger are learned reactions and are affected by mother, father, environment and culture. Although it has physical, behavioral and emotional dimensions, it is also directly related to the individual characteristics of the person. This emotion has both positive and negative consequences and if the person can control the existing anger, it will be very beneficial. A person may exhibit destructive, aggressive and destructive behavior when he cannot control it.
Anger should never be used as a problem-solving tool and is not a tool for self-expression. At the same time, getting angry is not the way to be right. Anger is a very powerful energy. The important thing is how correctly we use this energy. This feeling also gives the person a feeling of power and control, helps to alleviate the feeling of fear and inadequacy, protects the person, and provides motivation for change. In addition to all these advantages, when it cannot be controlled, it is a complete energy drainer and affects our performance. It has a serious impact on our decision-making mechanism, as if it puts a curtain on our true emotions. Uncontrollable anger not only causes reactions from those around us, but also can negatively affect our social life. If a person cannot control his anger, he may damage things or harm himself.
So how does this anger occur in the brain?
The cerebral cortex (cortex) is where the logic and decision-making mechanism in our brain is located, it is the outer part of the brain and is divided into lobes. We can also think of the cortex as the "strategy center" of the brain.
The emotional center of our brain is the limbic system. It is located in the lower parts of the brain and is thought to be "more primitive". In general, if a person gets angry and shouts, he uses the limbic system instead of using the thinking part of his brain (cortex).
There is a part of our limbic system that scientists call the amygdala. This part of our brain is responsible for our “Fight or Flight” response, which are our natural survival instincts. Data from the outside world comes to the amygdala, where it is determined which of the limbic or cortex regions it will be sent to. If the incoming data triggers a sufficient emotional load, the amygdala can bypass the cortex, which means that the data will be sent to our limbic system and we will react using the lower part of our brain.
The amygdala is also effective in the formation of emotional memory and emotional reactions. It processes information about our emotions and then triggers certain reactions in our body. To give an example of these reactions, when we get angry, we send signals to our brain, and our brain orders the production and release of some neurotransmitters called catecholamines.
When we get angry, we secrete the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine, which give us strength and energy. Our body forces us to attack someone or to escape from someone. they are ready. That's why we feel ready to go to war.
When we get angry, our thoughts are incredibly effective. In other words, the person starts to get angry thanks to his automatic thoughts. If the person does not move away from the triggers, the amygdala is triggered and the hormone release gradually increases.
HOW IS ANGER CONTROL?
Listening is for anger control. It is a powerful key. Defining events instead of interpreting them will be very useful in controlling anger. It is very important to lower expectations from the other person, to focus on the present, to be able to say no, to set limits, to decide to agree, and for the person to be able to empathize. On the other hand, breathing exercises, regular relaxation Exercises, walks, getting away from triggers, taking time for 10-15 minutes to calm down, and trying to understand where in the body one feels anger are important exercises used in anger management. It can cause damage.
Controlling emotions is a matter of the person's will, and anger begins in the brain with thoughts.
Ö If anger uncontrollability continues despite all these exercises, psychotherapy support is absolutely necessary.
Enjoy reading to all of you..
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