Anger issues

Anger issues

Symptom Definition

Anger would be distinguished from dissatisfaction or irritation by its greater intensity, its less frequent occurrence, its strong interpersonal character, and in favour of more threatening events.

Sometimes, when aggressive thoughts or actions cross the line between deterrence and revenge, anger can give way to hatred, which is a form of anger that lingers, losing all connection to the initial offence, and is experienced against a person or object.

The criteria for identifying a rage attack are:

  • The inclusion of the event in a period of chronic irritability
  • Overreacting to minor annoyances
  • The presence of four of the following symptoms during at least one of the attacks​
    • Tachycardia
    • Hot flushes
    • Tightness in the chest
    • Paraesthesia
    • Dizziness
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Sweating
    • Trembling
    • Panic
    • Feeling of loss of control
    • Verbal or physical attacks
    • Throwing or destroying things

Causes to be evaluated

Anger is partly linked to low serotonin levels.

Most of the time, the triggering factor is an obstacle placed in front of the individual that opposes his or her intentions.

But there are many other contributing factors:

  • Provocation by others (what would be the main factor causing it)
  • Noises caused by other people's activities (music, door slams, body noises, etc.). Will only cause anger if the individual feels that it disturbs his or her peace of mind
  • A negative view of the world
  • Misconceptions about the normality of other people's behaviour
  • The premenstrual period (including premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
  • Exhaustion, sleep deprivation and mental stress
  • Youth (irritability decreases with age, which would be associated with a decrease in the binding potential of D2 receptors)
  • Alcohol, cocaine, benzodiazepines, amphetamines are particularly implicated.
  • Withdrawal from nicotine or caffeine
  • A predisposition to manic-depressive disorder, probably linked to genetic risk factors
  • Hyperthymic temperament, which affects 8% of the population, in which the usual need for sleep is low (about 6 hours), moody, complaining, impulsive and obstructive.

Naturopathic protocol

Here are some tips to follow when a temper tantrum occurs:

  • Get out of the room, take a shower, go for a walk. Wait at least 45 minutes for your calm to return.
  • Announce your departure. Never leave without telling your loved ones. Tell them you will be back when you have calmed down. Let them know when you will be back.
  • Move, jump, dance, run, do an activity you enjoy to release the overflow and tension. If necessary, go outside and scream two or three times at the top of your lungs.
  • Rip paper, even if it seems completely useless.
  • Call someone you trust, a brother, a sister, a friend, a parent, etc. Let it all out and ask or agree to let them take over if necessary.
  • Breathe through your nose. Breathe in slowly and out slowly.
  • Step back and think about why you are angry. 
  • Come up with realistic solutions to improve the situation and use those that have worked in the past.
  • Finally, apologise to the person you have offended. Make a commitment to express your dissatisfaction in a different way next time.

🍽️ Nutrition

  • It is important to change your eating habits, especially to avoid all acidic foods, alcohol and stimulants.
  • A detox or fast is a way of eliminating the toxins that burden the liver and blood before correcting your diet.

🌸 Flower Essences

  • Agrimony: Hides suffering behind a cheerful mask.
  • Impatiens: Person in a hurry, can't stand embarrassment and those who don't follow the same pace as him. Explosive character.
  • Cherry plum: Feeling of worry. Person who loses their temper over nothing.
  • Holly: Hatred and jealousy. Destructive and violent behaviour.
  • Hardy fuchsia: Suppresses anger and pain. Emotions deeply buried since childhood.
  • Snapdragon: Sensitive and easily irritated. Expresses itself through shouting and violence.
  • Onion: Cold rage over unresolved trauma and abuse.
  • Take 7 drops directly on the tongue after drinking a sip of mineral water, 2 times a day. Duration: 20 days.

🌺 Aromatherapy

  • Massage the solar plexus with 1 drop of Marjoram or Orange Blossom essential oil when anger is rising.
  • Choose your essential oil by smell, it won't fool you.

🧘‍♂️ Manual Techniques

  • Cultivate empathy for the person or situation that caused your anger. Everyone has a positive side to appreciate.
  • Psychotherapy is necessary to release the real problem if you can't get out of the anger that is destroying your relationships with others.
  • Vigorous physical activity - if your health allows it - is an excellent escape from emotional stress, which can be followed by a yoga session.

Use relaxation techniques:

🌼 Homeopathy

  • Chamomilla: Anger in children and the elderly.
  • Aconitum Napellus: Anger caused by shock or accident.
  • Ignatia: Anger in the form of hysteria.
  • Sulfur: Anger of aggressive people.
  • Staphysagria: Violent outbursts of anger from those who normally hold it in check.
  • Nux vomica: Irritable character, does not like to be contradicted, sensitive and likes stimulants (spices, alcohol, coffee,...).
  • Belladonna: Anger at people who suddenly "get out of control".
  • These remedies should be taken in 15 and 30 CH doses as advised by the homeopath.