Anger Issues

Anger can be expressed in different ways. It may be:

• Sudden, explosive outbursts or physical aggression
• Irritability, tension, or a short temper
• Passive-aggressive behaviour or silent withdrawal
• Rumination, resentment, or plotting retaliation
• Difficulty letting go of perceived wrongs
• Feeling out of control, ashamed, or regretful after expressing anger

You may also notice:

• Conflict or disconnection in your relationships
• Difficulty concentrating or disrupted sleep
• Increased use of substances to cope
• Underlying feelings of anxiety, shame, or helplessness

These experiences can have a significant impact on your emotional health, relationships, and quality of life.

Anger is often rooted in deeper psychological or emotional patterns. Common contributing factors include:

• Difficult early life experiences or attachment wounds
• Experiences of bullying, trauma, or neglect
• Substance use or withdrawal
• Depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• Relationship breakdown or loss of intimacy
• Chronic stress, sleep disturbance, or feelings of powerlessness

Sometimes anger becomes a default reaction because other emotions—like sadness, vulnerability, or fear—feel too uncomfortable or unsafe to express.

While anger itself is a universal emotion, how it is expressed or suppressed can vary widely. For example:

• Reactive anger – explosive and impulsive outbursts
  
• Passive anger – silent resentment, sarcasm, or emotional withdrawal
  
• Chronic anger – persistent irritability or resentment
  
• Suppressed anger – discomfort expressing any anger at all

Men may experience unique challenges around anger. In many cases, anger is the only emotion that feels socially acceptable to express. As a result, emotions like hurt or fear may be mislabelled or masked as anger.

Learning to manage anger is not about suppressing it—it’s about understanding and expressing it in ways that are healthy, constructive, and aligned with your values. Strategies may include:

• Practicing mindfulness and grounding techniques to stay calm and present
  
• Taking time out to breathe, reflect, and respond rather than react
  
• Using non-violent communication to express needs and boundaries
  
• Identifying early unmet needs and patterns from childhood
  
• Reconnecting with your body if you tend to dissociate or suppress anger
  
• Engaging in healthy outlets for tension—such as physical activity or creative expression

These skills can help you listen to the message behind your anger, rather than becoming consumed by the feeling itself.

At Seed Psychology, our experienced psychologists offer compassionate, evidence-based support to help you understand and manage anger. We will work with you to uncover the root causes of your anger and develop practical strategies for emotional regulation and relational wellbeing.

Treatment may include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – to explore the thoughts and triggers behind your anger and develop healthier patterns
  
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – to help you respond to anger with awareness and choice
  
• Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) – to connect with the deeper emotional experiences beneath anger

We’ll support you to develop more authentic communication, stronger boundaries, and deeper emotional connection—so anger becomes something that works for you, not against you.

If you’re struggling with anger, or if it’s impacting your relationships, work or wellbeing, we’re here to help.

Contact Seed Psychology to book an appointment at our Brunswick East clinic or via telehealth across Australia.