Do you reach your boiling point too quickly or explode for no apparent reason at all?

It isn’t unusual to feel hurt and angry if you have a traumatic past. Understandably, the memories of your ordeal may give rise to a sense of injustice and violation.

However, if you notice that the anger you’re experiencing feels in someway beyond your control, or difficult to rein in, trauma may be inspiring your anger in unproductive or harmful ways. 

The reality, for many people, is that anger is a complicated part of life after trauma. It has a very real and painful impact on their self-image, relationships, and careers. Untreated, it can even lead to violence and legal trouble.

If you’re in this position or fear you’ll find face this situation soon, you aren’t alone. Now is not the time to become mired in shame, you can recover. However, you’ll need support to improve your mental health and move forward. Learning to process your anger is crucial. 

First, Understand How Your Anger is Functioning

Is Anger Your Current Survival Mechanism?

Trauma overwhelms your mind. As you try to make sense of what’s happened you react from a fight, flight, or freeze perspective. And you may still be stuck there. This state of perpetual arousal keeps you alert and waiting for the next threat. Essentially, you may be a person for whom anger, rather than fear, becomes a self-protective norm.

Are These Post-Trauma Anger Symptoms Are Recurring and Disruptive?

Unaddressed anger can become chronic and takes a significant toll on you. You may be experiencing the following:

• flashbacks
• avoidance and anxiety
• aggressive or controlling behavior
• situational reactivity or overreaction
• relationship conflict
• overstimulation
• feelings of isolation
• a tendency toward risky behavior
• body aches or chronic pain
• heart, blood pressure, or digestive issues

It’s important to address these symptoms and stop the damage anger is doing to you, your connections, and your life goals.

Is Anger Reaction to Your Trouble with Personal Boundaries?

After trauma, personal boundaries may feel tenuous and violated. Perhaps abuse or violence occurred or some other aspect of your personal safety was disrespected. As a result, anger seems the best way to force a measure of respect and safety when you feel triggered. Unfortunately, angry outbursts are rarely directed at the primary violator or original trauma. Thus, your sense of respect and security don’t last long and the cycle of triggers and angry reactivity continues.

Pay Attention to Your Anger

Your anger is trying to tell you something. Rather than indulge it or stuff it, acknowledge that anger is arising for a reason. Try to take a step back and listen to your emotions.

Meditation and journaling can help with this approach. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What triggered my anger?
• Which of my needs are unmet? How?
• Is my anger linked to something current, or the result of past events/memories?

Uncovering the roots of your anger is the key to relief and resolution. Trauma changes your brain, thought patterns, and ability to accurately perceive and react appropriately. Sometimes, managing your anger is beyond your own best efforts. To retrain your brain, the help of a qualified therapist is often invaluable. 

Healing is Possible: Make Time for Therapy 

If you want to move away from anger, get to the heart of it, and express your emotions more effectively, don’t go it alone. Trauma therapy can help you determine what your anger is telling you and how to grow through it.

Please read more about trauma treatment and reach out today. Let’s discuss your options for scheduling a consultation. You deserve a happier, healthier life.