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What Is Chronic Anger?

Patti Kate
Patti Kate

Chronic anger is a condition that affects adults, teenagers, and children, often causing rage or ill temper on a regular basis. In most cases of chronic anger, the person becomes easily upset, even over circumstances that are trivial or minor. Causes of this anger vary, but many experts believe one cause is neglect or abuse in childhood. Many people with anger issues face the risk of alienating close friends and loved ones, who find it uncomfortable or even frightening to be around that person.

Unhealthy or chronic anger does not generally happen overnight. In most cases, explosive anger issues gradually build over a period of years. Some adults who experience this anger have been living with it since childhood or since their teenage years. Others develop anger issues during adolescence.

A person experiencing chronic anger will become easily upset.
A person experiencing chronic anger will become easily upset.

For many, anger management can be an effective means of controlling long-lasting anger. Anger management classes or sessions with a psychotherapist who specializes in anger control may be the only way for some people to gain control of their condition. A professional who deals with anger management may help the patient recognize the symptoms of unhealthy anger. Also, by recognizing the cause of deep-rooted anger, many people may be able to eliminate feelings of mistrust, frustration, and disappointment.

Many people with anger issues face the risk of alienating close friends or work associates.
Many people with anger issues face the risk of alienating close friends or work associates.

Chronic anger is not only a psychological problem, but it impacts a person's physical state and social standing as well. A person who displays chronic fits of rage, will typically be under a great deal of stress. This stress may cause hypertension, headaches, or even a weakened immune system. For many people, anger issues also cause depression. When suffering from chronic depression, the patient may not eat or sleep well.

People with chronic anger may get mad while driving.
People with chronic anger may get mad while driving.

Sometimes, people find themselves dealing with explosive anger that has affected their loved ones. Some families of children or teenagers with anger issues find it extremely difficult to cope. The child with anger issues may exhibit behavior problems at home and in school. In addition to fits of rage, he may become aggressive with classmates and authoritative figures, often provoking fights.

Someone with chronic anger may get frustrated more easily.
Someone with chronic anger may get frustrated more easily.

Most noticeably, there is a social impact from this type of anger. It is not uncommon for individuals with anger problems to feel like they have become social outcasts. A person's ill temper or anger may be noticed at work, causing conflict with coworkers and supervisors. People displaying unhealthy anger may also risk losing their jobs. Personal relationships may also suffer, as chronic rage and anger may lead to divorce for some couples.

Discussion Comments

anon1005169

Thank you for that heartfelt and oh-so-true statement, ANON328540.

anon991336

The root cause of repressed anger lies in a repressed culture.

anon328540

Most people who suffer from chronic distress/depression, do so alone. Family and friends distance themselves from those with this illness. They perceive that the person is difficult or hard to get along with.This creates more distress as it adds to the list of people that you are disliked by, or simply would not help. Most people don't care and there is really no one to seek help from. You are so alone. The sadness is that for most of us, this is a result of an abusive childhood which cause you to feel neglected,rejected, hated and extremely angry. You always feel hopeless and alone.

These are emotions that are so deep that you find it hard to function at times day to day. Through no fault of your own, you are in a world of darkness trying to find your way.

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    • A person experiencing chronic anger will become easily upset.
      By: Minerva Studio
      A person experiencing chronic anger will become easily upset.
    • Many people with anger issues face the risk of alienating close friends or work associates.
      By: gstockstudio
      Many people with anger issues face the risk of alienating close friends or work associates.
    • People with chronic anger may get mad while driving.
      By: Kevin Daugherty
      People with chronic anger may get mad while driving.
    • Someone with chronic anger may get frustrated more easily.
      By: gpointstudio
      Someone with chronic anger may get frustrated more easily.
    • It's common for individuals with anger problems to feel like they have become social outcasts, especially for teenagers.
      By: Scott Griessel
      It's common for individuals with anger problems to feel like they have become social outcasts, especially for teenagers.