We all get angry — it’s a natural part of being human. But what happens when that frustration starts to take over your life? Dr. Raymond Chip Tafrate, a clinical psychologist and co-author of Anger Management for Everyone, reminds us that while anger can be a useful signal that something needs to change, constant or intense anger can seriously harm both your mind and body. Could your quick temper be more than just a personality trait — could it be sabotaging your health?
According to a report from USA Today, anger isn’t always the villain. It can motivate action, spark difficult conversations, or fuel personal change. For example, getting upset about a health issue or social injustice can push you toward positive steps. But Tafrate warns that anger becomes problematic when it’s frequent, overwhelming, or lingers too long. The key difference lies in how you express it: confronting an issue calmly versus reacting impulsively in the heat of the moment.
The Science Behind Your Anger
Anger is rooted deep in human evolution — a response designed to help ancestors survive threats. Today, the triggers are less about immediate danger and more about perceived unfairness, personal slights, or daily stressors. Ethan Kross, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, explains that anger often arises when our sense of what’s right is violated, prompting a desire to fix the problem.
Read the full article on The Economic Times.
