Signs Of Displaced Anger In Adults & How To Cope With It: Experts Weigh In

Maybe you were treated terribly by your boss. Maybe someone you’re afraid of bullied you. Either way, if you feel angry because you were wronged, that’s normal, and you are justified for it. But then, you end up lashing out at a completely unrelated party, and once the storm passes, all you’re left with is guilt and possibly a fractured relationship.

Unfortunately, many people with displaced anger struggle with anger issues like these, but recognizing the signs is the first step you can take to making things better for yourself and your loved ones. That’s why mental health professionals like Mission Connection have taken the time to go over the symptoms and what you can do to address them.

What is Displaced Anger?

Let’s start with the basics. Displaced anger is any form of anger that is directed at someone other than the actual source of frustration. It is typically a coping mechanism for individuals who do not feel safe expressing their anger to the person it’s aimed at - such behaviors are often developed during childhood, especially for those who grew up in an unhealthy or abusive environment. 

However, Mission Connection says that displaced anger may be directed inward, leading individuals to blame themselves for situations; it may also be directed at other demographics, resulting in prejudice. 

Causes and Symptoms

Displaced anger can manifest in different ways, with some emotional symptoms including intense frustration disproportionate to the situation that triggered it and an unhealthy fixation on feelings of anger. Individuals with anger issues may also exhibit behaviors such as passive aggressiveness and uncontrollable emotional outbursts. 

Those who struggle with displaced anger also often experience tension headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, muscle tightness, and other stress-related symptoms, which may result in hair-trigger aggression.

If that sounds familiar, then displaced anger is probably the issue you’re dealing with. 

While displaced anger may arise from unhealthy home environments or coping mechanisms, experts say that mental health disorders are also possible causes. For example, research has suggested that individuals with a bipolar disorder or depression diagnosis are more likely to suppress or redirect their emotions. 

But don’t lose hope. There are many evidence-based therapies that can help you manage displaced anger and any associated mental health challenges.

Evidence-Based Therapies for Anger Issues

One treatment that is known to be effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying distorted thinking patterns, developing healthy coping strategies, and changing behaviors. 

Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) is also a viable option; this form of psychotherapy combines CBT with elements of acupuncture to identify underlying emotions and relieve physical discomfort caused by pent-up anger.

Of course, there are other therapies out there, and all of them can work on different aspects of your mental health, anger issues, and any trauma you may have.

Regardless of the approach you prefer, make sure you choose a reputable organization that offers personalized treatment programs, as this will improve the chances of long-term mental wellness. That may go without saying, but it can’t be understated how important it is to get the appropriate treatment from the right therapist. 

If you want more resources on displaced anger, anger issues in general, or even just the treatment options available, Mission Connection has them.