Keeping Your Cool: The Effects of Anger on Your Health

Anger is something that we all experience from time to time, but prolonged or intense anger can take a serious toll on your health. While short bursts of anger can be a natural response to dangerous situations, chronic or unchecked anger can harm your physical and mental well-being.

Here are four ways anger affects your health:

Heart Stress
Frequent anger releases stress hormones that can damage your cardiovascular system over time. Studies show that angry people have a higher risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Even a single angry reaction can double the risk of a heart attack within two hours.

Digestion Disruption
Because the brain and gut are closely connected, anger can upset your digestive system, causing stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Over time, it may lead to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux.

Poor Mental Health
Constant anger can lead to anxiety, depression, and emotional stress. It can also harm relationships, increase feelings of isolation, and affect concentration, making it harder to focus or feel positive emotions.

Sleep Problems
People who struggle with anger often experience poor sleep. Anger heightens arousal, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep. This lack of sleep can worsen your mood, creating a cycle of irritability.

Want help to keep anger in check? The Trust is here to help.

Remember, you can’t completely eliminate anger, but you can change how it affects you and how you respond to it. Finding healthy ways to manage anger not only improves your well-being but also enhances your relationships and overall quality of life.

Sources: apa.org, everydayhealth.com