Three Signs You Have Work-Related Anger Management Issues: Where To Get Help

Did you know that workplace stress causes about 120,000 deaths in the U.S. each year? That’s because chronic stress can do a huge number on your health. If chronic, work-related anger is contributing to that stress, it’s not a bad idea to start considering ways to manage that anger.

The Dangers of Chronic Anger

Of course, that’s not to say that you should never get angry at all. Anger is part of the normal human range of emotions and is healthy if managed properly. 

However, chronic anger management issues can negatively impact immune function and increase blood pressure and heart rate, making the body more prone to medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, as well as mental disorders like anxiety and depression. In addition, uncontrolled anger can impact an individual’s career, resulting in possible job loss and financial issues.

Symptoms of Workplace Anger

Unfortunately, many Americans develop such anger issues at the workplace - one study found that 45% of employees regularly lose their temper at work, while 65% of employees have experienced office rage in the form of extreme anger or violence. 

There are many causes of workplace anger, but experts highlight stress, unfair treatment, lack of recognition, and conflicts with team members as some of the most common factors in chronic anger issues. Possible symptoms of these issues include:

• Emotional changes like frequent outbursts or intense irritability and frustration
• Physical signs like muscle tension, sweating, and rapid breathing
• Behavioral changes, including loss of focus and passive-aggressiveness

If you’re beginning to notice these things within yourself, that could be a sign that you’re struggling with your anger.

Managing Your Anger at Work

Don’t worry, though. There are some effective short-term strategies that can provide immediate relief during stressful situations or conflicts. For example, you can practice deep breathing for at least 10 minutes, count to 10 to divert your mind from angry emotions and avoid reacting in the heat of the moment, or temporarily remove yourself from the trigger. 

Over the longer term, improving communication skills, building emotional intelligence and stress tolerance, and establishing clear boundaries will equip you with the toolset to deal with workplace conflict constructively. 

If you’re not able to develop these skills independently, you can consider professional therapeutic approaches such as CBT, behavioral therapy, stress management therapy, and executive coaching for anger control. These are offered by licensed mental health providers like Mission Connection, and they can give you the guidance you need if you’re not sure where to start.