What Is Healthy Anger?

Healthy anger is a level of anger that is considered well managed and reasonable. People with this kind of normal anger do not allow this emotion to overwhelm them and have productive ways of communicating it. Their causes of anger are typically situations or events that would logically upset other people as well if they were facing the same circumstances. This ability of others to emphasize with this kind of reaction is often what determines a healthy anger level. People with anger management problems often have difficulty distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy anger, so successfully overcoming these types of anger issues usually involves learning techniques for putting them in the proper perspective.

Contrary to some misconceptions, not all anger is bad or destructive. It can often be a positive means for change when viewed rationally and handled constructively. Many mental health professionals report that even a small amount of anger can become much worse when suppressed. Otherwise healthy anger can eventually become an episode of excess rage in people who attempt to ignore it in hopes of avoiding any possible conflicts with others.

Excessive or explosive anger can create significant problems in sufferers' personal and professional lives. Difficulty with controlling or expressing anger constructively can also lead to various mental and physical ailments, such as depression or high blood pressure. Psychologists often agree that communicating reasons for anger is a positive action, as long as it is done in a tactful and appropriate way. People with healthy anger are able to explain their reasons for it calmly and assertively without becoming overly defensive or aggressive towards others.

Many people find that the process of developing healthy anger management involves a concentrated effort to improve certain interpersonal communication skills. Effective listening is often a helpful way to prevent the frustration commonly associated with miscommunication. Listening skills can also build senses of trust between people and possibly prevent uncontrolled anger outbursts. People who are able to listen effectively are generally more capable of changing their perceptions to others' points of view.

Other methods for managing strong anger include vigorous physical activity or quiet meditation. Many people find that these options help to clear their thought processes and prevent them from taking irrational actions as a result of abnormal anger levels. These types of activities can often turn destructive anger into healthy anger by redirecting the strong energy that comes with this powerful emotion.